2006 Atlanta Falcons Preview

2006 season preview of the Atlanta Falcons NFL football team from Maddux Sports expert sports handicappers. Once the regular season starts don't miss any of Maddux's Expert NFL Picks and you will want to check out the free NFL odds section of the site featuring live odds from the best online sports books on the Internet.

Michael Vick (387 ATT, 214 COMP, 2,412 YDS, 15 TDs, 13 INT) is one of the most talented athletes in the NFL. He is also one of the most inconsistent, easily rattled quarterbacks in the league. Vick is starting his sixth professional season, and he’s virtually no better than he was when he first entered. Consider Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger and how much they matured in three years and then look at Vick.

Vick’s primary problem is his penchant for running rather than quarterbacking. Along with taking him and the team out of their game plan, it’s led to numerous injuries.

The Falcons have one of the best and most consistent running backs in the NFL. At 31, Warrick Dunn (280 ATT, 1,416 YDS, 5.1 AVG. 3 TDs) shows no signs of slowing down. Vick helped out with 597 ground yards, making Atlanta the top rushing team in the NFL. To help open the seam, left tackle Wayne Gandy (New Orleans) joins an impressive offensive line.

The Falcons were first on the ground and 27th in the air. Tight end Alge Crumpler (65 REC, 877 YDS, 13.5 AVG, 5 TDs) led the team at receiving. Only one wide receiver made 50 catches, Brian Finneran (50 REC, 611 YDS, 12.2 AVG, 2 TDs). Translation-- the wide outs simply aren’t being used enough. Look for the possibility of a spread offense and the shotgun.

This season the frontline is the best part of the defense. It was good last year, but the addition of John Abraham (New Orleans), an outstanding end, greatly upgrades the unit. The linebackers, with Ed Hartwell back from injury and the speedy Michael Boley and versatile Keith Brooking returning, look strong.

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall (6 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries) is exceptional and at right corner Jason Webster (79 tackles) is a quick reactor. Chris Crocker (Browns) and Lawyer Milloy (Buffalo) should improve the safety spots.

2006 Atlanta Falcons Predictions

Coach Jim Mora will be looking to get this team back into the playoffs after a disappointing 8-8 season. If Vick can be more disciplined and improvements on defense payoff, the Falcons will make the playoffs. We don't see this happening and will go out on a limb and predict the Falcons fall hard to the cellar in the NFC North division.

For more info on the Falcons NFC South division rivals check out the Buccaneers, Saints, and Panthers team previews that Maddux Sports has completed for the NFL sports fan and bettor.

For more info and news on the 2006 Atlanta Falcons football team visit the Atlanta NFL team page at NFL.com.