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.
