Five changes to the Falcons offense for this season:
1. The Falcons worked extensively on their vertical passing attack; look for them to pass the ball down the field more often.
2. The Falcons previously added onto their no-huddle attack in each season under offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. The lockout botched plans for more additives, so they'll use what they have.
3. Michael Turner ran with authority and power basically on one leg last season and gained more than 1,300 yards. After undergoing offseason groin surgery, look for Turner to use his cutback lanes more often this season.
4. With teams aware they want to pass deep, the Falcons worked on the screen-and-draw attack; look for some new blitz-beater plays this season.
5. We may witness the passing of the torch at center. Todd McClure, who’s made a franchise-record 144 consecutive starts, had knee surgery on Aug. 29. Joe Hawley, who is set to make his first career start against Chicago, might not give the job back.
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