Ryan-Vick matchup on the horizon
Five story lines concerning the Falcons offense entering the season:
1. We are moving closer to the first true Matt Ryan-Michael Vick matchup in the home opener on Sept. 18. The Sunday nighter will be nationally televised by NBC. The two teams played in 2009, but Ryan was injured and Vick was a backup. Last season, Vick was injured and Kevin Kolb started for the Eagles.
2. How will the offense perform against a tougher schedule?
3. Will the offensive line, with two new starters, open holes for running back Michael Turner and protect quarterback Matt Ryan?
4. Can Roddy White, who led the league 115 catches last season and posted his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, keep getting open?
5. How much of an impact will rookie wide receiver Julio Jones have after the team made a 5-for-1 draft-day trade to move up 21 spots to select him?
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
