1. The toughness crusade. After last season Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he was troubled by a play that happened in the season opener against the Saints. He was shocked and appalled that no player — Peter Konz and Lamar Holmes were in the area — went to the defense of quarterback Matt Ryan after he took a hit from Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro. Blank concluded that the team was not tough enough. Coach Mike Smith just thinks they weren't physical enough. Either way, if Vaccaro gets near Ryan this season, expect some fireworks.
2. Who's got wide receiver, I mean tight end Jimmy Graham? The Saints' star tight end had a tough legal battle with the NFL that could have netted him millions over his designation as a wide receiver and not a tight end because of his versatility. "You really have to bring you're 'A' game because if you don't, they are really going to be running circles around you all over the field," Falcons free safety Dwight Lowery said.
3. Will the Falcons revamped offensive line hold up? Last season Lamar Holmes made his first NFL start at right tackle against the Saints. Perhaps he can share some tips with rookie left tackle Jake Matthews, who is set to make his first career start at left tackle. The Falcons also will have a different right guard (Jon Asamoah) and center (Joe Hawley). Last season, Garrett Reynolds and Peter Konz started in the season opener. The Saints sacked Matt Ryan three times and held the Falcons to 38 yards rushing on 13 carries after Steven Jackson broke loose early for a 50-yard gain. The unit, under new coach Mike Tice, will face its first real test.
About the Author
