FLOWERY BRANCH — After a shaky start to the season, the Falcons have worked out some kinks and are positioned nicely at the halfway point to successfully defend their NFC South title and make another playoff push.
The Falcons (5-3) are a half-game behind the New Orleans Saints (6-3) with eight games to play. The Falcons have only three games against teams with winning records, play five home games and play six games — possibly seven — in domes, where they are nearly invincible.
Falcons coach Mike Smith, in an exclusive with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, talked about team’s performance over the first half of the season.
Here’s the group-by-position group breakdown, followed by AJC beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter’s midterm grade.
Offensive line
Because of injuries and instability at right guard, the Falcons used four different starting units in the first eight games. Center Todd McClure (knee surgery) and left tackle Sam Baker (back) have missed starts. In an attempt to firm up the interior of the passing pocket, Joe Hawley has taken over at right guard for Garrett Reynolds, who started the first seven games. Will Svitek has replaced Baker, who’s out for at least two more games, at left tackle. The unit has given up 19 sacks, but just six over the past five games and has run-blocked well over the past four games.
Smith: We have started to play more consistently on the offensive line after the first three games. The arrow is going up. Statistically, you can see that in terms of our rushing yards and our ability to protect the passer.
Grade: C-plus
Running backs
Michael Turner is on pace to run for almost 1,400 yards and make his third Pro Bowl appearance. The big question is at fullback and whether the recently signed Mike Cox can provide superior lead-blocking while trying to replace Ovie Mughelli.
Smith: Our running game has been solid. As the season goes into the second half, we know that we have to get the ball distributed to our other backs that are showing the ability to be productive. I’m talking about Jacquizz [Rodgers] and Jason [Snelling.]
Grade: A
Wide receivers
The Falcons are elated with the play of rookie wide receiver Julio Jones, who has averaged 17.5 yards per catch and has three 100-yard games. Roddy White is on pace to catch 86 passes after leading the NFL with 113 catches last season.
Smith: It’s hard to catch 120 [passes] every year, but I think Roddy is having a very solid season. I think he’s been a great mentor to Julio.
Grade: B
Tight ends
The Falcons are facing a tough decision with Tony Gonzalez, 35, who’s in the last year of contract and showing no signs of slowing down. They could end the retirement talk by offering a two-year extension. Gonzalez is as crafty as ever and has caught five touchdowns.
Smitht: I think that Michael [Palmer] has done a good job, and Reggie Kelly is starting, over the last three weeks, to really have a good understanding of our offense.
Grade: A
Quarterbacks
Because of early pass-protection issues, Matt Ryan got off to a slow start. He took a beating early on, but kept answering the bell. No one in the locker room can question his toughness.
Smith: Matt has operated the offense, especially since we’ve shored up our pass protection over the last four weeks, very effectively.
Grade: C-plus
Defensive line
The unit has not dominated games and has been limited by injuries to all four starters — Ray Edwards (knee), Corey Peters (knee), Jonathan Babineaux (knee) and John Abraham (hamstring).
Smith: Their play, especially in the second quarter of the season, picked up. Corey Peters is coming into his own, and he’s putting together some really efficient games.
Grade: C-plus
Linebackers
The boys from D-Block (the nickname for their area in the locker room) are ripping it up. Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton and second-year man Sean Weatherspoon are playing at a Pro Bowl-level. The linebackers are a big reason, with the Falcons giving up 96.5 yards rushing per game, which ranks seventh in the NFL.
Smith: It’s a real good thing when your linebackers are atop of the tackle chart. It’s a whole lot better alternative than having the safeties up there. Curtis is having a real solid year. I think with Spoon, you see his development every week. You see his speed and suddenness. I think that Stephen Nicholas is playing well for us.
Grade: A
Defensive backs
The pass defense has improved dramatically since Seattle quarterback Tarvaris Jackson passed for 319 yards.
Smith: It was a little different situation for us because we added some guys [cornerback Kelvin Hayden and safety James Sanders] basically after training camp started. ... Over the last four weeks, much like the rest of the defense, the arrow is ticking up. One thing that our defense continues to do, which is big for us, is create turnovers.
Grade: C
Special teams
Kicker Matt Bryant has made all 12 field-goal tries and will take a franchise-record streak of 28 consecutive made field goals into the second half of the season. The coverage units were strong, and returner Eric Weems coped well with the new kickoff rules. Rookie punter Matt Bosher has struggled.
Smith: Matt Bryant is having an outstanding year. Matt Bosher, our punter, is going through the growing process of becoming an NFL punter. Over the last three weeks, I think you’re seeing him feel more comfortable. His punting of the ball and his kickoffs have improved.
Grade: B-minus
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