Studs: QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, LB Curtis Lofton
Duds: RB Jerious Norwood, DE Jamaal Anderson
Sleepers: RB Jason Snelling, WR Harry Douglas
X-Factor: Is this young nucleus ready to step up and become grizzled veterans?
Synopsis: Expectations have simmered after the Falcons had a somewhat disappointing season a year ago. While the team finished 9-7, they failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Patching the defense was a top priority during the offseason after the team had focused extensively on building up the offense side of the ball in years past. Free agent CB Dunta Robinson was signed to help repair the secondary while Atlanta used their first round pick on Missouri LB Sean Weatherpsoon to pair with LB Curtis Lofton. The duo of Lofton