 |
| |
|
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
||
 |
|||
EVENTS
CENTERS
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|
 |
Atlanta Falcons Optimism high with top draft pick in the mix
Atlanta Falcons opened its training camp at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., on July 19. By Rich Loup, CNNSI.com With running back Jamal Anderson healthy and No. 1 overall draft pick quarterback Michael Vick already under contract, the Falcons are optimistic better days are on the horizon in what could be head coach Dan Reeves final season. Still, there is that nagging problem of keeping starting QB Chris Chandler healthy .... The Falcons can make the playoffs if … Atlanta regains the solid 1998 formula of a ball-control, minimum-mistake offense and gritty defense returns. If Vick gets significant playing time, the Falcons won't go far. Their best bet for postseason action is for Chandler (2,236 yards, 10 TDs, 12 INTs, 14 games in 2000) to stay healthy and return to the form he showed during the Atlanta's Super Bowl run three years ago. Pivotal games: The schedule features back-to-back road games at San Francisco and St. Louis to open the season, followed by a home game against Carolina. A 2-1 start could build early confidence, but the Falcons haven't beaten the 49ers on the road since 1991 and have lost four consecutive games to the Rams. Up-and-comers: All eyes will be on Vick. Otherwise, the Falcons seem to be an old team full of retreads that could use a youthful spark. On the hot seat: This will be the 21st -- and maybe last -- season of Dan Reeves' head-coaching career. The Falcons are 9-23 the past two years and another bad year could force Reeves out, whether it's his choice or the team's decision. Sports Illustrated's season preview will post Aug. 29.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
