NFL Focus: Atlanta Falcons

The turn-around of the Atlanta Falcons has shocked everyone. Last year, at this point in the season, former star quarterback and face of the franchise Michael Vick was in prison, Bobby Petrino had quit mid-season, and their best defensive player, Deangelo Hall could not wait to jump off the sinking ship. He went as far away as possible, ending up in Oakland. 

The Falcons finished the season last year with a record of 4-12, finishing last in their division. On January 13th, 2008, the Falcons owner Arthur Blank made the best move of his life. He hired Thomas Dimitroff as General Manager. In nine months, this man turned the struggling organization 180º. He made several decisions that would transform a team riddled with disaster into a legitimate playoff contender.

Just ten days after he was fired, Dimitroff hired a new head coach, Mike Smith. The logic behind the choice was brilliant: under former coaches Jim Mora Jr. and Bobby Petrino the players were unhappy. They complained of not having a say in their gameplans, etc. They were not treated well. Mike Smith's philosophy is players' wishes come first. Dimitroff realized this and hired him. 

In March he made another perceptive acquisition. He signed Michael Turner to a six year deal. Dimitroff was a leading NFL scout for the Patriots for many years and was a major contributing factor to their success in recent years. He saw tremendous potential in Turner and signed him. He has been indispensable this season, ranking second in rushing with two games remaining. 

The next great decisions he made were during the draft. He resisted temptation to trade up to a higher slot in the draft order and drafted Matt Ryan in the first round. The rookie QB has displayed incredible maturity and composure, leading a couple

game-winning drives in intimidating settings. To help protect his future franchise player, Dimitroff drafted Sam Baker, a solid offensive guard. He also filled some holes in the defense drafting a linebacker (Curtis Lofton) and cornerback (Chevis Jackson) early. Later in the draft, the Falcons selected Harry Douglas, a wide receiver who has shown enormous potential thus far.

The final ingredients for the tasty cake of success are players whose potentials were not fully discovered. These players include: Roddy White (WR), Michael Jenkins (WR), Jerious Norwood (WR/KR), John Abraham (DE), Jamaal Anderson (DE), Justin Blalock (G), and Chris Houston (CB). 

Matt Ryan has brought out the best in his receivers, mainly White and Jenkins. Roddy White will finish the season with over 1,500 receiving yards, an impressive achievement. Jenkins had a breakout year with over 700 yards. 

Head coach Mike Smith has made his team a pleasure to be on and perhaps this has made some players try harder than they did under previous management. John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson have posted a dramatic increase in production this season compared to last. Jerious Norwood has given the team a boost of excitement when needed, whether it be in the form of a kick-off return for a touchdown or an eighty yard TD run. 

The turn-around this team has made can be attributed to management. They were terrible last year because of terrible management. They are great this year because of great management. Teams should learn from this amazing turn around and take note. Disaster can strike at any moment, as the Falcons had to learn the hard way. 

GO FALCONS!!

(Stay tuned for a season wrap-up...hopefully in January or February)