While teams are having a football feeding frenzy in the free agent market, The Atlanta Falcons are hard at work retaining key parts of their offensive and defensive lines while bringing in needed parts for both lines as well. The Falcons resigned Johnathan
Photo Credit: AtlantaFalcons.comBabineaux to a three year extension and also extended the contracts of Defensive Linemen Corey Peters and Offensive Linemen Mike Johnson and Joe Hawley. The Falcons also invested in some new talent, signing both Offensive Lineman Jon Asamoah and
Defensive End Tyson Jackson from the Kansas City Chiefs and Defensive Tackle Paul Soliai from the Dolphins.
It's great to see moves being made to better protect Matt Ryan while at the same time building a fearsome defensive line that would really shake up an opposing quarterback, but there are some missing pieces here that are being overlooked. It set off a major red flag when the team began releasing their defensive backs, who were veteran players, but couldn't seem to stop the aerial attacks of teams like the Saints and the Patriots. The unfortunate part of the matter is that they would release Asante Samuels, Thomas Decoud, and Stephen Nicholas, who are veterans in the locker room and not even attempt to make a run at the two biggest options to replace these defensive parts, Darrelle Revis and Aqib Talib.
There should be some attempt made to get a shut-down corner who can lead the defensive backs and also come through with a big play when it matters. Think about the difference that a player like Richard Sherman makes on a team when a quarterback is afraid to even throw in his direction. That extra second could make the difference in whether or not your newly minted linemen can get to the quarterback. There is still time to bring in quality defensive parts, and it is completely understandable if they decide to make those moves in the draft, but where is the veteran leadership on the defense if you are just dropping long-term veterans and not making an attempt to sure things up in the locker room?
Fans can be very happy about the moves that the Falcons are making. they are attempting to get tough up front. A stronger offensive line will open up some holes for Stephen Jackson and give Matt Ryan ample time to get the ball out. These moves are great ones to make for fantasy team owners, but they don't seem to put the Falcons any closer to any sort of championship run. What parts do you think the Atlanta Falcons need to bring in to create a championship team?
