Atlanta Falcons 2007 Preview
Background: The Falcons came to Atlanta more than four decades ago back when the pro sports world started to look towards the South for new markets. Despite this longevity, the Falcons have been a mixed bag over the years. The New Orleans Saints have shared this same mixed bag, but somehow that team connected a little better with their hometown fans. The Saints became a part of the local consciousness in a way that the Falcons never have.
The Falcons have had only a few eras of distinction – the Steve Bartkowski era (plyoffs, but no Super Bowl appearances), the Jerry Glanville era (interesting, but not a lot of success), the Dan Reeves/Chris Chandler era (a Super Bowl appearance, but a quick fall), and the Michael Vick era (grat hope leading to an all-time flame out).
Team Identity: Atlanta is a front running town. The Falcons haven’t spent much time out front, which has been the primary issue between the Falcons and Atlanta/Georgia as a whole. With strong college teams, the Falcons have never had enough sustained success or interesting players to keep the fans engaged for long.
This all changed when Michael Vick showed up. New owner Arthur Blank showed great smarts by trading for him. Vick galvanized Atlanta, an urban-hip city with a large percentage of African-Americans. The Falcons quickly became one of the hottest tickets in town.
Everything seemed to be lining up perfectly before Vick’s epic fall this off season. Blank had brought in Bobby Petrino, an offensive mastermind well known to those around the south both as an offensive coordinator (Auburn, Louisville, Jacksonville Jaguars) and the head coach of Louisville.
Now Petrino will have to replace Vick as the identity of the Falcons. He did it at Louisville, but the NFL and Atlanta is a much bigger ballgame.
2007 Storyline: Is Petrino truly a coaching genius? If he can weather the loss of Vick and win with Joey Harrington as his QB, he might be. The NFC South is crazy. No one expected New Orleans last season. Who knows what can happen? Vick was not the only good player on that roster.
Regardless of the excitement factor, Vick had lost the ability to win games by the end of last season. The guy who had beaten Green Bay in the dead of a Wisconsin winter during the playoffs a few years back had been replaced by a guy who was flipping off the home fans after a bad loss. Before the dog fighting charges emerged, Vick’s career was trending downward. That's why Petrino was hired in the first place.
The unexpected events of this off season give Petrino a pass, but he should try and make something out of it. The Falcons might be better than expected.
Swampland’s advice – take advantage of this reduced pressure (no Vick) by going out and surprising people. Be bold and exciting! Establish yourself, Mr. Petrino.
Expectation meter: This might be the lowest of any team in our footprint. The star is gone, possibly forever. However, we just got through telling Bobby Petrino not to squander this opportunity. Expectations are a burden, so when they are lifted, you can gamble and win - new fans, if not games.
The old Falcons identity left via a Richmond court room. It’s up to Petrino to establish the next era.
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