Playoff Preview: New York Jets

Offensive MVP: WR Santonio Holmes

After missing the first four games of the season, Holmes was amazingly able to come back and fit into a new offense with the Jets. Holmes gave QB Mark Sanchez an instant security blanket, a guy he could rely on in big situations. The former Steeler has always had flair for the dramatic, and has been absolutely clutch this year, helping the Jets win three close games in a row in dramatic fashion. Holmes cooled off a bit at the end of the season, and everyone will remember the big drop he had against Miami, but expect the former Super Bowl MVP to have a big playoff run.

Defensive MVP: LB David Harris

No player has really stuck out this year, and a strong case can be made that S Jim Leonard was their defensive MVP before he went down with a season ending injury in week 12. The best player this year is probably the most unsung hero on the Jets defense. Harris is a consistent player that leads the team in tackles with 99 to go along with 3 sacks and a forced fumble.

Best Win: Week 15 at Pittsburgh

After being blown out by the Patriots 45-3, and then losing a close match-up against the Dolphins, many thought the Jets may have an epic collapse and miss the playoffs. Coming out and beating a very good Steelers team in a hostile environmental was a huge win. They showed a lot of toughness and character in this game. Their team could have easily made excuses and come out and played flat. Instead they rallied and showed those two losses were more of an aberration. If the Jets can beat the Colts in the first round of the playoffs, they will most likely end up facing the Steelers again and they know they can match-up with them even on the road.

Rookie Grade: D-

The Jets only had 4 draft picks but none of them had an impact this year. The Jets expected big things from first round pick CB Kyle Wilson but after starting the first two games, he basically disappeared and has not really had much impact this year. Second round pick G Vlad Ducasse had a chance to start at guard where the Jets were very weak, but was not able to win a starting position. RB Joe McKnight, who the Jets kept over RB Danny Woodhead, has been disappointing and did not really see the field until the end of the season. Overall, a underwhelming rookie class.

How Can They Make It To The Super Bowl: Mark Sanchez

Quarterbacks like Rex Grossman, Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson have shown that you don't necessarily need to be a star quarterback to lead your team to the super bowl. The Jets need Sanchez to be smart with the football and manage the game. The Jets have a lot of talented players around him that can make plays on their own, but when Sanchez has a bad game like he did against the Patriots and Dolphins in week 13 and 14, he gives his team no chance to win. The Jets have struggled with extra time off (lost first game of season, game after bye week, and long lead up to the Patriots game), and considering most of their starters sat out last game, it will be interesting to see if the trend continues.

Detroit Lions 2010 Projection and Preview

Last Years Record                                                                  2-14

Wins: Redskins and Browns

Losses: Vikings (x2), Packers (x2), Bears (x2), Saints, Steelers, Rams, Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals, Bengals, Ravens

Biggest Playmaker                                                                 Calvin Johnson

WR, Georgia Tech, Drafted #2, 4^th Year

Coming out of Georgia Tech Calvin Johnson was one of the most physically gifted prospects.  Unfortunately he has not had a talented quarterback to throw him the ball, but he has still managed 21 touchdowns in three seasons to go along with a 1,300 yard season.  However, with Stafford in his second year Johnson should see his numbers rise.

Impact Player                                                                           Matthew Stafford

QB, Georgia, Drafted #1, 2^nd Year

Stafford is a very talented quarterback and obviously experienced some growing pains as a rookie but certainly showed some toughness.  He definitely has more talent around him this year and needs to limit the interceptions (20 a year ago).

Biggest Offseason Addition                                      Nate Burleson

WR, Nevada, Drafted #71, 7^th Year

In order to keep defenses honest, Burleson provides Matthew Stafford with a legitimate number two receiving threat. Burleson, who has toured with many teams in his career, has consistently produce, no matter the role he played. With a deep ball arm in Stafford, I feel Burleson will fit right in at Mo-Town.

Biggest Offseason Loss                                                        Ernie Sims

LB, Florida State, Drafted #9, 5^th Year

Ernie Sims has been very solid for the Lions, recording over 110 tackles in each of his first three seasons.  Last year he missed five games with a shoulder injury and his presence will certainly be missed.

Biggest Draft Steal                                                                 Jahvid Best

RB, California, Drafted #30, Rookie

The Lions have been raving about this kid all offseason; the explosiveness, the top line speed, and agility are all impressive. If he is used efficiently in this coming 2010 season, we could see a star in the making. Some people note his size as a problem for him becoming a future lead back in the NFL, yet I think his size is absolutely perfect. At 5'10 200lbs he can hide behind blockers and use his explosiveness to hit the right holes. With Kevin Smith still recovering from a torn ACL, look for Best to be the best RB in the Detroit Lions backfield. This guy is a pure playmaker who will be a regular in "Sportcenter's Top Ten."

Biggest Draft Mistake                                                           None

My only issue with the Lions’ 2010 draft is that they did not address the offensive line need until the 128^th pick when they took Jason Fox from Miami.  If they want Stafford to develop they need to keep him upright.

Offseason Grade                                                                      B+

The Lions brought in players that will immediately contribute in the 2010 offseason.  Jahvid Best will be the starting running back, Ndamukong Suh is expected to be an impact player.  They also signed TE Tony Scheffler, WR Nate Burleson, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and CBs Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade.

X-Factor                                                                                                   Pass Defense

Somehow the Lions had the worst pass defense in the NFL last year.  The reason that this is surprising is because they had such a miserable season.  When teams are losing 85% of their games I would xpet them to have a poor rushing defense.  When teams are winning, they can simply just run down the clock late in the game.  But they also had the 25^th best run defense.  They will need to stop the pass early in games to have any chance at a decent season. 

Name You Should Know                                       Kyle Vanden Bosch

DE, Nebraska, Drafted #34, 10^th Year

Kyle Vanden Bosch has seen his sack totals dip the last two seasons but has twice registered 12 sacks in a season.  Vanden Bosch will be a big part of the Lions’ season and provides some veteran leadership.  He will definitely play an important role mentoring rookie Ndamukong Suh.

Rising Star                                                                                  DeAndre Levy

LB, Wisconsin, Drafted #76, 2^nd Year

Deandre Levy recorded 85 tackles in his rookie year, also forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass.  Deandre Levy missed the Lions’ first game with a groin injury but will be a big piece this year.  The addition of Ndamukong Suh up front should help him tremendously.

Offensive Outlook                                                                   C+

I think Matt Stafford will be a great quarterback, but give him a couple of years.  The Lions added a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball (Burleson, Scheffler, Best) but their offensive line is weak.  A strong line is essential in the development of a young quarterback.

Defensive Outlook                                                                   C-

The defense definitely made some improvements from their two-win campaign a year ago, most notably on the defensive line.  Suh dominated in his senior seasons at Nebraska, Vanden Bosch has 10-sack potential (and had 11 tackles in week 1), and Corey Williams will start at the other tackle spot.  All three of them are new to the Lions.  They also added two new corners.  The Lions are a very different team than they were a year ago.

Special Teams Outlook                                                        C

In 2009, punter Nick Harris averaged a 21^st-ranking 42.9 yards per punt and just 20 kicks inside the 20.  Jason Hanson did not have a great year, and the Lions are not strong in the kick return game.  Aaron Brown was the 57^th ranking kick returner (yards per return) in the NFL last year.

Projected 2010 Record                                                         6-10

The Lions made enough changes in the offseason that they should be considered a completely different team.  Stafford should make some strides, and if Jahvid Best can play as well as the staff thinks he can, the Lions could have an explosive offense.

Chicago Bears 2010 Preview and Predictions

Last Years Record 7-9

Wins: Steelers, Seahawks, Lions, Browns, Rams, Vikings, Lions

Losses: Vikings, Packers (x2), Lions, Falcons, Bengals, Cardinals, 49ers, Eagles, Ravens

Biggest Playmaker Matt Forte

RB, Tulane, Drafted #44, 3rd Year

Forte tore apart defenses both rushing and receiving, finishing in the top 5 of total yardage, during his 2008 rookie season. To follow up that season, Forte disappointed fantasy football owners with a major drop in production in 2009. With Coach Mike Martz being hired as the team's new OC, expect Forte to be more involved in the passing game, and more touches altogether resulting in increased production. Note: Forte showed his receiving week 1 with 2 TDs in the passing game, look for a continued stat line in the pass game for Forte.

Impact Player Brian Urlacher

MLB, New Mexico, Drafted #9, 11th Year

Due to an injury last year, Urlacher missed most of the Bears dismal defensive 2009 season. Urlacher is the general and captain of the defense, placing his teammates into position to make plays. His leadership was sorely missed last year, and with his return and the addition of Julius Peppers, the Bears look to rebound after a miserable 2009 campaign.

Biggest Offseason Addition Julius Peppers

DE, North Carolina, Drafted #2, 9th Year

Possibly the NFL's most talented defensive end, Peppers over the past few seasons has established a reputation for taking plays off and his inconsistent play. After a Super Bowl appearance versus the Patriots in the earlier part of the past decade, Peppers has failed to return his Carolina Panthers defense to glory. The organization decided to dump off his salary and move in a new direction, opening the route to Chicago where Peppers will instantly impact Lovie Smith's defense. If Peppers can consistently play hard nosed football, I believe Peppers could re-establish himself amongst the league's best ends.

Biggest Offseason Loss Alex Brown

DE, Florida, Drafted #104, 8th Year

Besides having one of the greatest names ever, Alex Brown provided a key spark to the Bears pass rush year in and year out for the 7 years he played in Chicago. Brown played a pivotal role in the Super Bowl appearance team which lost to the Colts, and was signed this past offseason by the New Orleans Saints.

Biggest Draft Steal Corey Wootten

DE, Northwestern, Drafted #109, Rookie

After turning down the draft of 2009 following a stellar junior season at Northwestern, Wootten produced significantly less than previous year dropping him down scouting draft boards. That withstanding, the Bears were able to hold on to their future draft picks, stay put beyond the third round, and draft depth to their defense throughout these picks. Wootten is a very talented end who will likely hit the field early and often in 2010.

Biggest Draft Mistake Waiting until the last round to address OT issues

Nothing against big kids from small schools, but Chicago waited way too long to address their offensive tackle problems. The Bears next season must draft a franchise offensive tackle whom they can count upon for years to come.

Offseason Grade B

I felt the Bears did an adequate job addressing needs in an aging defense, while adding a big-time playmaker in Julius Peppers. Coach Mike Martz is sure to spark some life into the sputtering offense, and Matt Forte looks primed for a solid 3rd year. My only qualms are with the offensive line and the lack of action regarding the personnel at that position. Good, not great offseason.

X-Factor Jay Cutler

QB, Vanderbilt, Drafted #11, 5th Year

The success of the Bears offense corellates completely with the level of play Jay Cutler exhibits in 2010. If he can cut down his turnovers, and consistently move the ball, the Bears could present a major thorn in the side of the Vikings and the Packers. Cutler has all the physical tools needed, he just needs to piece this puzzle of "success" together.

Name You Should Know Devin Aromashadu

WR, Auburn, Drafted #233, 5th Year

No other receiver in the NFL, in the games which Aromashadu started, received more redzone targets over the last 5 games of the regular season. It took a long time for him to break the lineup, however Aromashadu has impressed his coaches and has a good rapport with Cutler. Look for Devin to be Jay Cutler's main downfield weapon.

Rising Star Greg Olsen

TE, Miami, Drafted #31, 4th Year

Olsen is a big target with lots of speed. Olsen has the ability of any other TE in the NFL, and its just a matter of time before he develops into a superstar. This could be Olsen's breakout year, as Martz has begun to tailor his offense to suit Olsen's skills, yet it will be interesting to see how Olsen will be utilized in 2010.

Offensive Outlook B

The Bears offense looked better than last season, however still struggled to put the ball in the endzone, especially close to the goal-line. The intricate Martz system will take time no doubt to be firmly implanted, however I feel the Bears will make considerable strides from last season.

Defensive Outlook B

On defense I may or may not be overly optimistic. Peppers and Urlacher provide a gameplanning nightmare for offenses as you cannot take either one of these players out of the game; try to run the ball and Urlacher will scrape across the line for the tackle; try to pass and Peppers 6'7 frame and quick feet will sack your QB. The only problems therein the Bears defense is the interior line and secondary. If these positions can hold up, the Bears could eek out a few wins versus the high octane offenses of Green Bay and Minnesota.

Special Teams Outlook A~B?

Devin Hester. That is all. I want a few Devin Hester special team's returns for Christmas this year...Gould is a solid kicker and has been for quite some time in Chicago, but it is very unpredictable how good or bad this unit may be this season.

Projected 2010 Record 8-8

In 2010, learning curves and bumps will plague the first half of the season. That being said, I feel this team may sneak up on divisional opponents Minnesota, Green Bay, and as evidenced by the win (should've been loss) Lions, the Bears could be on to something. Only time will tell, however Jerry Angelo has done a good job of turning this organization back to its winning traditions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Preview and Predictions

Last Years Record: 3-13

Wins: Packers, Seahawks, Saints

Losses: Cowboys, Bills, Giants, Redskins, Eagles, Panthers (2x), Patriots, Dolphins, Saints, Falcons (2x), Jets

Biggest Playmaker: Kellen Winslow Jr.

TE, U of Miami, Drafted #6, seven years

The Buccaneers did not have a lot of playmakers on their roster last year, but Winslow is one guy on their roster that played really well last year. Winslow led the team in receptions, yards and touchdown receptions. His 884 yard receiving was better than any running back had rushing. It is safe to say that the Buccaneers are going to once again rely heavily on Winslow this year.

Impact Player: Aqib Talib

CB, Kansas, Drafted #20, three years

There is no doubt that Talib has a lot of natural talent and could soon be a top corner in the NFL. Last year he had five interceptions, 15 pass defenses, to go along with 64 tackles. Buccaneers fans are hoping that this year will be Talib’s break-out year. They will have to wait until game two to see him, however, as he has been suspended for the first game because of an altercation with a cab driver last year.

Biggest Off-season Addition: Gerald McCoy

DT, Oklahoma, Drafted #3, Rookie

McCoy is an extremely talented player well worth the 3^rd overall pick, he should help out right away and be the disruptive force in the middle just like he was in college.

Biggest Offseason Loss: Aaron Sears

G, Tennessee, Drafted #35 ,three years

In his first two seasons Sears started 31 games and was a great player for the Buccaneers. Unfortunately he missed last year with personal issues and was released before the start of the season. No one is quite sure what Sears’ personal issues are, but the Buccaneers will certainly miss him.

Biggest Draft Steal: Mike Williams

WR, Syracuse, Drafted #101, Rookie

Williams fell into the fourth round because of character issues. Williams off the field problems at Syracuse were well publicized, but no one ever doubted his talent. He won the starting job in training camp and has gotten some high praises from a lot of people. He may be a guy you want to draft on your fantasy team this year; he should be a main target in the Buccaneers offense.

Biggest Draft Mistake: Arrelious Benn

WR, Illinois, Drafted #39, Rookie

I was not a big fan of Benn in college. He was a big receiver that was not real fluid; he had one great year but only found the end zone seven times in his three year career. Guys that are his size should be making a killing in the red zone. Benn is a good player with good talent, but selecting him early second round seemed like a reach to me. He should be able to get on the field this year because the Buccaneers have a pretty week receiving core.

Offseason Grade: A-

The Buccaneers had a lot of holes to fill in the offseason, but I think they did a great job. Getting McCoy and DT Brian Price for their defensive line will make them very strong up the middle. They also added Sean Jones at safety and G Keydrick Vincent, both will be starting this year. Overall, they got younger and added some talent and got rid of some guys that were hurting the team salary.

X-Factor: Cadillac Williams

RB, Auburn, Drafted #5, six years

Williams was one of my favorite players in the 2005 draft and had a great rookie season, but since then injuries have really slowed him down. Now in his sixth season, it is time for Williams to step up and produce. Williams is a very hard runner and if healthy could really help the Buccaneers offense.

Name You Should Know: Barrett Ruud

LB, Nebraska, Drafted #36, 12 years

Not a guy that is going to ‘wow’ you on the field but is just an all around good linebacker. Has had 100+ tackles the last three years, and a career high 142 tackles last season. At only 27 Ruud should be a very reliable guy in the middle of the Buccaneers defense for a long time.

Rising Star: Josh Freeman

QB, Kansas St., Drafted #17, two years

As a young QB in the NFL, Freeman probably has the least amount of talent around him on offense. Freeman definitely made his share of mistakes last year, but has shown some flashes of his ability. Freeman is one of those guys that may take a few more years to develop, but has tons of potential and could be a star in this league.

Offensive Outlook: C-

It is hard to predict what you will see from the Buccaneers because they have a lot of young and unproven guys. They still have question marks at QB, RB, and WR. There offensive line has some good veteran player and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. can make plays. Still, I would be worried as a Buccaneer fan.

Defensive Outlook: C+

There secondary and linebacking core could be pretty solid, but their defensive line may be a little inexperienced. They have some veteran players and leaders like Ronde Barber and Barrett Ruud that should help some of the younger guys, I think the Buccaneers has the ability to surprise a lot of people if their younger guys can play well right away.

Special Teams Outlook: C

Michael Spurlock does not have a lot of experience returning punts or kicks but the Buccaneers like him. K Connor Barth does not have a lot of experience either but has a big leg, P Chris Bryan beat out sixth round draft pick P Brent Bowden. Overall, not a lot of history to base anything on.

Projected 2010 Record: 3-13

The Buccaneers have too many young players at vital positions. I would say that the hardest positions to come in and be good right away are at QB, Defensive line and receiver (linebacker and RB being the easiest). The Bucs have young players at all three of these positions. They should be a fun team to watch this year though. I think it will be really interesting to see how Josh Freeman, Mike Williams, Gerald McCoy and many of the young guys on their team develop.

Tennessee Titans 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record            8-8

Wins:  Jaguars, 49ers, Bills, Texans, Cardinals, Rams, Dolphins, Seahawks

Losses: Steelers, Texans, Jets, Jaguars, Colts (x2), Patriots, Chargers

Biggest Playmaker            Chris Johnson

RB, East Carolina, Drafted #24, 3^rd Year

Chris Johnson is coming off a record breaking year in which he recorded the most yards from scrimmage ever in a season.  Johnson has said that he is aiming to rush for 2,500 yards, but it remains to be seen if his body can handle another enormous workload.  Regardless, having CJ in your backfield can keep your team in any game.

Impact Player            Vince Young

QB, Texas, Drafted #3, 5^th Year

After starting the season 0-6 the Titans made a switch at quarterback, starting Vince Young.  Young has had some character issues during his NFL career but is a phenomenal athlete and can change a game with his feet or his arm. 

Biggest Offseason Addition            Will Witherspoon

LB, Georgia, Drafted #73, 9^th Year

Will Witherspoon comes to the Titans after playing for the Eagles a year ago.  Witherspoon brings experience to the Titans’ linebacking core and will start and play a big role.  Witherspoon recorded 91 tackles for the Eagles a year ago and was released after the year, as the Eagles did not want to pay his salary this season.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Kevin Mawae

Center, Louisiana State, Drafted #36, 17^th Year

Kevin Mawae is old, especially for a center, but he has started every game but three in the past four years for the Titans.  He is coming off two straight pro bowls (eight in his career) and his presence will surely be missed in the middle of the Titans’ offensive line (that paved the way for a 2,000 yard rusher last year).

Biggest Draft Steal            Damian Williams

WR, USC, Drafted #77, Rookie

Damian Williams runs great routes, is dangerous after the catch has shown the ability to make very difficult catches.  At 6’1” and around 200 pounds Williams is also a dangerous returnman and is very shifty.

Biggest Draft Reach            Rusty Smith

QB, Florida Atlantic, Drafted #176, Rookie

Rusty Smith made the Titans’ roster, but he likely could have been picked up in the 7^th round or as a free agent.  They currently have an experienced backup in Kerry Collins, so Smith will be able to develop for a few years at least.

Offseason Grade            B-

The Titans seemingly wanted to get younger as they let veterans Keith Bulluck, Kevin Mawae, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Alge Crumpler go.  Derrick Morgan could be an elite pass rusher and I think Damian Williams will play a big role in their offense down the road.  However, they resolved Chris Johnson’s contract issue, which was (rightfully so) priority number one.

X-Factor            Chris Johnson

RB, East Carolina, Drafted #24, 3^rd Year

Chris Johnson is one of the most exciting players in the NFL, so why is he the X-Factor for the Titans?  Check out this link showing how most players who lead the league in carries tend to fall off the next season.  CJ had 358 carries last year so if he stays healthy the Titans’ could challenge for a spot in the playoffs.

Name You Should Know            Stephen Tulloch

LB, NC State, Drafted #116, 5^th Year

Stephen Tulloch is hardly a household name, but he racked up 121 tackles and two sacks a year ago.  Tulloch has not missed a game in his four years and is the anchor as the middle linebacker of their 4-3 defense.

Rising Star            Kenny Britt

WR, Rutgers, Drafted #30, 2^nd Year

This, I admit, is an interesting pick here.  Kenny Britt showed that he can be a very talented receiver in 2009, catching 42 balls for 701 yards and three touchdowns.  However, after a very shaky preseason and some mental issues, Britt needs to step up and has the ability to do so. 

Offensive Outlook            B

Chris Johnson is coming off a ridiculous year and is looking to improve, and behind a very good offensive line he has a chance to reach his 2,500 yard goal.  The receiving core could use some help, but I think Vince Young is a gamer who, plain and simple, up wins football games.

Defensive Outlook            B-

The Titans’ secondary is healthy again with Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan at full strength, but the linebacker group is a bit of a question mark and the defensive line is nothing to write home about.  Nick Harper struggled last year at corner and is gone.  The Titans could struggle against the run, as their two tackles are hardly stellar against the run.

Special Teams Outlook            B+

Last year Rob Bironas nailed five out of six field goals from 50 yards or further and 27 of 32 kicks overall.  Punter Brett Kern averaged a very respectable 45 yards per punt while Alvin Pearman averaged 10.2 yards per punt return.  The Titans will need more from their kick return game.

Projected 2010 Record            7-9

The Titans are tied with the Texans for the hardest schedule in the NFL, and the Titans lost some core veterans.  Vince Young is a gamer and Chris Johnson will continue to dominate as long as he can endure another big workload.  I don’t see the Titans being able to finish ahead of the Colts or the Texans, but will probably finish in third, ahead of the Jaguars.

Atlanta Falcons 2010: Preview and Predictions

Last Years Record: 9-7

Wins: Dolphins, Panthers, 49ers, Bears, Redskins, Buccaneers (2x), Jets, Bills

Losses: Patriots, Cowboys, Saints (2x), Panthers, Giants, Eagles,

Biggest Playmaker: Roddy White

WR, UAB, Drafted #27, six years

White is probably the most underrated receiver in the NFL. Some how he has quietly put up three years of 1000+ yards receiving and 24 TDs is those three years. His numbers have been very comparable to Brandon Marshall, Anquan Boldin, and Chad Ochocinco in the last three years, yet he has not gotten nearly the same amount of attention.

Impact Player: Tony Gonzalez

TE, California, Drafted #13, 14 years

At 34 years old, Gonzalez does not look like he has lost a step and he continues to put up big numbers. Gonzalez is a big target and nice security blanket for young QB Matt Ryan. Look for him to have another 70+ reception, 800+ yards and 5-8 TDs again this year.

Biggest Off-season Addition: Dunta Robinson

CB, South Carolina, Drafted #10, seven years

Last year the Falcons were 28^th in the NFL in pass defense letting up 242 yards per game. They made a huge splash by signing Robinson for 57 million. Robinson was clearly the best cornerback available in free agency and has proved he can be a great cover corner and a guy that is not afraid to help out in the run game. Robinson should be a big addition to the Falcons defense.

Biggest Offseason Loss: None

There was not a lot of movement this offseason for the Falcons. They lost some defensive backs, and back up players and traded away offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka, but did not really lose any major parts.

Biggest Draft Steal: Kerry Meier

WR, Kansas, Drafted #165, Rookie

Meier recently went down with a season-ending knee injury but was a good pick up for the Falcons. He is 6’2” 220 lbs. and was reportedly catching everything. He could have been a valuable asset for the Falcons this year. Hopefully he can come in and make an impact next year.

Biggest Draft Mistake: Not Addressing DE

The one area that I thought the Falcons would address in the draft was the defensive end position. Their starting defensive ends last year put up a total of 6 sacks. Jamaal Anderson, the former 8^th pick overall in the 2007 draft, has not been the player that they thought he would (2.5 career sacks and he will be playing some DT this year) and John Abraham is 32 and had one of his worst years in 2009. Adding Dunta Robinson will help out the secondary, but having some guys that can constantly pressure the QB may have helped more.

Offseason Grade: B+

Picking up a true #1 corner in Dunta Robinson was obviously huge, and I thought drafting Sean Weatherspoon was a great pick. Weatherspoon is a gamer, who will be a big help in the run game and is one of those guys that will probably be a leader in the locker room by the end of the year.

X-Factor: Michael Turner

RB, Northern Illinois, Drafted #154, seven years

Turner had an unbelievable year in 2008 rushing for 1699 yards and 17 TDs. Last year was off to a good start averaging 4.9 yards per carry but he only played 11 games because he was bother with an ankle injury. If Turner can stay healthy for the whole year the Falcons offense should be very good.

Name You Should Know: Mike Peterson

LB, Florida, Drafted #36, 12 years

Peterson may be 34 but is still very good against the run. He has put up some terrific numbers in his career (1109 tackles, 20.5 sacks and 16 Interceptions) and will be a great first and second down linebacker for the Falcons.

Rising Star: Curtis Lofton

MLB, Oklahoma, Drafted #37, three years

In only two years, Lofton has established himself as one of the best players on the Falcons defense. Lofton made 133 tackles last year and seems to be in every play; many believed he was snubbed in the pro bowl voting last year. With another good year, he could establish himself as a top linebacker in the NFL.

Offensive Outlook: A-

Matt Ryan certainly has the ability to have a breakout year, especially with playmakers like Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez around him. Add in a healthy Michael turner and you are looking at a very good offense.

Defensive Outlook: B-

The defense is still very young so it will be hard to tell exactly what the Falcons will be getting out of them this year. You would have to think that the defense will be a better than last year, which statistically was in the bottom of the league. The biggest question still is their defensive ends, if John Abraham can bounce back from a tough year and they can get some production out of Jamaal Anderson, they should have a very solid defense.

Special Teams Outlook: C

Kick and punt returner Eric Weems is OK in the return game. K Matt Bryant is decent. P Michael Koenen is a solid punter and great kick off specialist.

Projected 2010 Record: 11-5

The Falcons should have a very balanced attack on offense that will be hard for any team to match up against. If their defense can play up to its potential they should have no problem winning 11 games. They are fortunate to have a pretty easy schedule. The biggest match-ups have to be the games against the Packers, Bengals, Ravens and two games against the super bowl champions Saints. Other than that, they have some very winnable games.