By now, even the least sports savvy individual knows that the Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 lead in last season’s Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots. Whether you’re a fan or not, living in the metro- Atlanta area means you’re in Falcon’s territory, and it’s impossible to escape the insistent “rise up!” cries and unwavering team spirit through good times and bad.
With the regular season opener against the Chicago Bears right around the corner, it’s only right to kick off the season with some controversial, bold predictions.
Prediction 1: Julio Jones will lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns for the first time in his career.
This prediction may come as a shock to Falcons fans, not because they don’t believe in Jones’s ability, but because he’s never led the league in this category since being drafted in 2011. Julio has a great supporting cast in fellow receivers Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel. The Falcons hope the tandem will be able to draw more attention to themselves and free up Jones, arguably the most frequently double-teamed wide receiver in the NFL. Let’s face it, no cornerback in the league can handle Jones one-on-one, and with his size and strength, he’s a nightmare for any defense.
Prediction 2: Deion Jones will win the 2017 Butkus Award.
Every year, the Butkus Award acknowledges the nation’s top linebackers in high school, college and the NFL. Jones had a spectacular rookie campaign and is primed for a breakout season. Last year he tallied 108 total tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble, two defensive touchdowns and led linebackers in passes defended. Putting up those kinds of numbers as a rookie is unheard of. With the Falcons bringing in Dontari Poe from the Kansas City Chiefs — and the Falcons’ Desmond Trufant returning from injury — Jones should thrive with the added defensive presence.
Prediction 3: The Falcons will make it back to the Super Bowl.
The Falcons will not experience a Super Bowl hangover. With new additions like UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley and returning running back Devonta Freeman ready to earn his new, five-year $41.25 million contract extension, the Falcons are stacked on both sides of the ball. Other than a new offensive coordinator, the majority of the offense is returning, and last year’s defensive rookies are only going to improve as the season progresses. The Falcons are built to make another run at the Super Bowl. Let’s just hope for the sake of Dan Quinn it ends in a victory.
