1. Will Ray Edwards become a double-digit sack master? He got off to a slow start with just 1.5 sacks over the first seven games  last year before finishing strong. The Falcons, who open with five tough games, need him to come out of the gate on fire.

2. Sean Weatherspoon had a promising rookie campaign interrupted by ankle and knee injuries. He shifts to weakside from the strongside and could turn into a force this season.

3. Will defensive tackle Peria Jerry reach the promise the club had for him when he was selected in the first round of the 2009 draft? He's two years removed from knee surgery, and the Falcons will find out just what they have this season.

4. Will the Falcons ever settle on a nickel back? They’ll likely have to make a call between Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks until Kelvin Hayden can get acclimated to the system.

5. Will the pass defense improve? The Falcons play seven games against teams that were ranked in the top 12 in passing last season, including the New Orleans Saints twice.

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In the Falcons' exhibition game in August against the Lions, placekicker Lenny Krieg (right) made one of two field goals — with the successful kick a 57-yarder — and kicked an extra point at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The German has been on Atlanta's practice squad this season as part of the NFL's International Player Pathways program. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez