Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Profile

Bobby Petrino was able to get Louisville to the national stage within four seasons, which was a huge accomplishment. He did it with a high scoring and innovative offense. If he can get Michael Vick (if Vick can play), to play up to his potential, Petrino will be on the short list of coaches to have had success in college and pro ball.

Atlanta Falcons Off-Season Moves

The biggest move in Atlanta, albeit not the most surprising, was the firing of Jim Mora Jr., and the hiring of Bobby Petrino as Head Coach. Until we see how Petrino handles a professional football team, the jury is still out on this move.

I liked the signing of Joe Horn from New Orleans. Horn has always been a solid producer while healthy and although he is getting old, his veteran leadership and upbeat demeanor will be a great asset to the team.

Trading back up QB Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans could very well come back to haunt the Falcons if Michael Vick cannot play due to legal troubles. Shaub was an excellent and accurate back-up and now if Vick can’t play, they are in the hands of Joey Harrington. Yes, Joey Harrington. So how ‘bout them Braves?

Atlanta Falcons 2007-08 Season Outlook

The Atlanta Falcon’s 2007 season will be a major plot-line across the league. First off, it’s the first season for rookie head coach Bobby Petrino. Petrino is yet another college-to-pro coach (University of Louisville) hoping to find success. He also might be Atlanta’s last chance to find a coach that can make Michael Vick an elite quarterback. Speaking of Vick, he’s the other reason all eyes will be on HOTlanta. Ever since he was drafted into the league, huge expectations were thrusted upon him. Needless to say, he has done little to live up to them with the exception of a fantastic 2002 season. Add that to his off-field issues such as the water bottle incident and alleged dog fighting at his Virginia home, and Vick could potentially be known as one of the biggest busts ever. If the Atlanta Falcons are going to improve from last season, they will have to find a way to take advantage of the most athletic quarterback in the game. Personally, I like the idea of putting Vick in a 4 WR set and letting him use his legs if there are no throws available.

The addition of Joe Horn and loss of “Hands like Feet” Ashley Lelie will hopefully make Vick less of a target of criticism for what he does on the field. If these dog fighting charges make Vick miss games, it will be a long season for Falcons fans.
 
Atlanta Falcons Trivia

The Atlanta Falcons' first winning season was in 1971.

Tommy Nobis, an LB out of Texas, was the Atlanta Falcons' first ever draft pick.

The Falcons started playing in the Georgia Dome in 1992.

Dave Hampton was the Falcons' first ever 1,000 yard rusher in a single season.

No player has been inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame in an Atlanta Falcons jersey.

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Philadelphia Eagles for their first ever playoff victory.

THe name of the Altanta Falcons' mascot is "Freddie the Falcon."

June Jones is the only former Falcons player to come back to coach the team.

Atlanta Falcons 2007-08 Roster

Atlanta Falcons 2007-08 Depth Chart

Atlanta Falcons – Georgia Dome

Construction Began: November 22, 1989
Opened: September 6, 1992
Capacity: 71,149
Location: Atlanta, GA
Surface: FieldTurf

The Georgia Dome is the home of the Atlanta Falcons as well as many other events hosted annually, from UGA football games to high school football championships to multiple Super Bowls. In recent years it has also hosted many SEC Championships, both in football and through the annual basketball tournament. The arena played host to several Olympic events in the 1996 Atlanta Games and in 2007 it was home to March Madness and the NCAA Final Four. The facility is full of fan friendly amenities, including shops and restaurants, as well as some of the best views of an athletic contest in a dome environment – there are no bad seats in the joint.