The 2009 Atlanta Falcons are heading into the season with a pretty good feeling. They had an NFL season in 08 that saw newly acquired running back Michael Turner run over the competition on a regular basis, and their rookie star quarterback Matt Ryan play the majority of the season like veteran. That has to bode well for their chances in 2009, but those are not the only reason for optimism.

Adding to the Falcons happiness is the addition of the best tight end in football, Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez is an aging star, but he is the perfect crutch for Matt Ryan and his development into a star. Gonzalez will give Ryan a valuable options to check down to when he is in trouble, and will be a huge target in the red zone.

Mike Peterson is another reason to be happy in Atlanta. The linebacker was signed out of Jacksonville and will help to stabilize the defense up the middle. His experience will be invaluable as well. Finally, the Falcons picked up two draft picks in the NFL draft that should help right away on the defensive side. Safety William Moore and tackle Peria Jerry will help out right away on the defensive side of the ball.

The Falcons had a year in 08 where everything went right. They stayed healthy, Ryan performed better than expected, and Turner was more than anyone dreamed he would be. There is plenty of reason to think the Falcons can have similar success in 2009, but that optimism should be tempered with a bit of reality.

Matt Ryan did show signs of being a break out star, but he is very young. His success in 08 had as much to do with the plays being called, and Turner’s production as it had to do with his talent. If you take away the 1600 yard season that Turner put up, Ryan would have been passing with an extra safety back for the pass. That makes a huge difference. Ryan only had to make one read and then pass the ball. This season will likely be more difficult as teams will key on Turner.

On defense, the Falcons had stretches where they were horrible. The good thing is that they were a bend without breaking type defense. When teams got in the red zone, they stiffened and help them out most of the time. That seems to be addressed somewhat with the new players that have been signed. How they come together will be a large part of the Falcon’s success or failure.

Second year coach Mike Smith had a fantastic rookie coaching year. This season should be another step forward with the Falcons competing for the NFC South title yet again. I see them coming up just short in the quest, finishing second to the Carolina Panthers. They could make the playoffs via the wildcard, but it is going to be tough in the ultra competitive NFC.