Is the party over?  Still going on?  Will it ever end?  Last year’s road to the Super Bowl for the New Orleans Saints capped off one of the most remarkable and impressive journeys for a team seemingly everyone was emotionally behind.  Who was rooting against these guys?  How could you?  Drew Brees was flawless, he could do no wrong, the city and its fans are still buzzing over the victory -what a run, what a feel-good story!  Too bad it has to end, well, sooner or later.

Needless to say, it’s hard envisioning a team in the NFC South that has what it takes to bump the Big Easy’s heroes off their high horse despite the obvious hangover and lingering after effects which inevitably occur following a Super Bowl party, I mean, win.  Subject to wake-up, yes, destined to fall, not exactly.  Your 2010 NFC South: “It’s your division to lose, New Orleans”

New Orleans (11-5) – Long live Drew Brees!  Long live Drew Brees!  For he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow, which nobody can deny!  You might ask, What’s your reward for winning Super Bowl XLIV?  Four prime time contests (two right off the bat), a date with America’s Team Thanksgiving Day in Big D, and back-to-back games away from the dome with rough houses Cincinnati and Baltimore in December.  Yet, it’s not all rocky on the road for the defending champs, as they get a second bye week/scrimmage with St. Louis at home amidst the toughest stretch of the season.

However, Brees’ bunch better beware lest they fall, because as Lombardi hoisters they’re awarded with the “bulls eye” that comes with the prize, a territory unfamiliar for this extravagant organization.  Each Sunday they will be the “hunted”, the team everyone eyes to take down, as the prey their predators will be seeking to devour and destroy every chance they receive -who wouldn’t want to dethrone and unseat the champs?  Strange things happen the following year to those named the NFL’s best team, being the winner has its challenges, and it’s starts Week 1 in the Superdome against the NFC’s runner-up, the team they defeated in OT to reach Miami.  To elusively slide-step and juke out history: Continue to be ambitious and ride the vehicle that got you to the top.  Could the Saints have beaten Indy if not for Sean Payton’s gutsy call to open up the second half with a surprisingly shocking onside kick?

Carolina (8-8) – Best QB in the Draft.  Best 1-2 punch at RB.  Best WR after the catch.  Top 5 OL.  2nd Best LB.  Despite the drop in performance in ‘09 after a tantalizing 12-4 record in ‘08, I can say there is more going for John Fox’s squad than there is going against his troops.  Jonathan Stewart is starting to be who we thought he was going to be, and when you combine him with DeAngelo Williams behind an outstanding OL it creates for a crystal clear identity, something you can count on and go to when the game’s on the line, a sure, simple plan that will work more often than not.  Too easy, right?  You would think.

A .500 mark is certainly within reach.  Jimmy Clausen is the most talented passer Steve Smith has ever had.  Yet it begs to question, will he get on the field soon enough?  With all that being said, the defense surely has itself a rugged and ruthless leader in Beason, still the questions remains, will the rest of his teammates back him up?  If they play their cards right and stay smart by giving Jonathan and DeAngelo 40+ opportunities to do their thing, this could be a team on the up and up, possibly riding a dynamic ground attack into the Playoffs as a Wild Card.  Just stick to your guns, Carolina.

Tampa Bay (6-10) – Bring back the vintage Creamsicle unis!  Unbeaten in the throwbacks in ‘09.  Once they donned the retros they won, beating Green Bay in a thrilling 38-28 battle -coincidentally, it was Josh Freeman’s first NFL start.  Like that game in early November, I see Tampa on the rise, I see glimpses and flashes of something special.  Granted, it’s going to take some patience -that could be an understatement.  Nonetheless, they undoubtedly improved the defense and offense via Draft, Freeman has new weapons, Cadillac is healthy, and its always a good thing to fly under the radar.  More hope was realized after Raheem Morris took over the keys to the defense, as his unit drastically improved over the final course of the season (six games, following Saints defeat 38-7 at home).

Tampa’s calling card has always been their defense, and holds true today, stemming from the days of Tony Dungy, they have been known to unleash a fierce product out onto Raymond James to harass opposing team’s QB’s.  With newcomers Gerald McCoy, Brian Price, and Myron Lewis you can expect the Morris’ 11 men to continue to pick up where they left off last season and bring the heat -not missing a beat.  On offense, fresh faces Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn will give Freeman some much-needed aid through the air.  Is there a 2010 draft class that will have more instant, immediate sought after impact?  See why Bucs backers are excited for fall -it’s not just Rays baseball in Tampa.

Atlanta (6-10) – Michael Turner’s small decline since 2008, Matt Ryan’s mini sophomore slump, John Abraham’s sharp drop off due to age, injuries to key players last season, the 11-5 turnaround “fluke” theory -reasons for concern, certainly, yet how valid and legitimate are these issues?  I believe there’s validity and legitimacy to these things that should make Dirty Bird diehards a bit nervous.  Why should they be?  Dunta Robinson was added to bolster a sub par secondary, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are still around, fortunes should reverse roles injury-wise, and the team is generally young, with skill positioned players in their prime.  Very intriguing squad that has the potential to go 5-11, however if you think about it, 11-5 wouldn’t come to fool you either.

Atlanta finished on a strong note, winning their final three outings, including an impressive victory over the New York Jets in the Meadowlands 10-7.  The week before they took New Orleans down to the wire, losing barely without their lead signal caller 26-23.  Out the gates they started off fast at 4-1, then went on to lose six of their next eight games, albeit the head honcho missed time during that span.  Of their seven total losses, they surrendered at least 26 points, and four times yielding at least 34 points.  On top of that, they failed to beat a team that concluded with a winning record.  Call me skeptical, but I have my fair share of doubts with these Falcons.  Can they carry over last year’s momentum, coming out the shoot firing, clicking on all cylinders?  I have my questions.

16. St. Louis Rams: 0-16?  This team is no better than the 2008-2009 Detroit Lions.  Potential to become be the most pathetic pass offense ever.  The Most Miserable Show On Turf?  Would’ve never drafted Sam Bradford #1 overall, he’s a complete waste of money and an injury waiting to happen.  Who’s their back-up, A.J. Feely?  Simply put, it’ll be an all-out circus come September.  On the other side of things, I can’t think of a more awful defense.  As a whole, can’t name anyone outside of Steven Jackson you would desire to watch.  Better days to spend your fall in St. Louis: Busch Stadium, Cardinals baseball.

15. Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll?  Can’t believe in Matt Hasselbeck.  How many games will he last?  The run game does not excite me whatsoever.  Pass rush is non-existent.  Every expert said Draft was one of the best, it was an OK draft on paper, too many safe picks, no playmakers.  Only thing going for ‘em: Qwest Field, 12th Man.

14. Arizona Cardinals: So are they going to be a more run-oriented offense?  Run first?  Is Matt Leinart ready to take over for Kurt Warner?  Larry Fitzgerald is going to have to be Jerry Rice, and then some.  On defense, secondary always seems to be hurt and shaky.  Darnell Dockett is too up and down, roll of the dice.  More questions than answers for yet another mediocre NFC West squad.

13. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan is just an “average” NFL QB.  Michael Turner is “burned” out from 2008.  Best years behind him.  You have to wonder will he ever be the same?  Next Jamal Anderson, post-1999 Super Bowl year?  1-2 combo of Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez bring hope and points.  Defense gets no penetration when John Abraham is quiet.  He’s just about done.  LB corps need to play out of their minds.  5-6 wins sounds right.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman has chance to become franchise QB.  Given the hand, cards he was dealt, encouraging rookie year.  OL has the potential of a formidable group.  Benn, Williams, Winslow will form a better trio of pass-catchers than people think.  Defense has some pieces and go-getters at each position.  Will Cadillac get you over 1,000 yards?  They have to be able to run the rock to keep pressure off Freeman.

11. Chicago Bears: Reliant upon Jay Cutler.  Depending too heavily on the rocket arm of an erratic QB who has a makeshift offensive line, decent running attack, and rag-tag group of unknown receivers.  They must think he’s the next Brett Favre in the Windy City.  Defense hings upon Urlacher, Harris, and Tillman.  Not a good sign.  Mike Martz expected to do wonders.  Don’t see more than 6 wins.

10. Carolina Panthers: Best bet: Start Jimmy Clausen.  By far the best signal caller in last April’s Draft.  Hands down, best option to reach .500.  Jonathan Stewart is ready to burst for 1,300+ yards and double-digit touchdowns.  DeAngelo Williams will rescind starting role, becoming best #2 back in the game.  Defense will miss Julius Peppers, but not as much as you would believe.  Jon Beason is outstanding, Thomas Davis will be healthy, and Chris Gamble can go to work.

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Stewart Bradley, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Kolb, Andy Reid.  5 on the hot seat.  Defense will get to the QB, secondary is solid, but will Bradley recover and return to 2008 form?  He’s the key to how good the defense plays.  McCoy and Maclin have the talent and skill to wow you and make you stand in awe, but to what extent can you count on second-year players?  Kolb has shown us the ability to throw, but how long will he survive in Andy Reid’s pass-happy system?  Can he flourish without a steady running game to support him?  Will he always be compared to Donovan?  Reid has to change his over-aggressive ways to a degree for this squad to succeed.

8. Detroit Lions: Really liking Jahvid Best.  Stafford-Best-Johnson has the Motor City doing cartwheels and backflips!  Offense is a definite strength.  Fun team to watch in 2010.  Points will come easy.  Defense?  Suh, Vanden Bosch, Levy, Peterson, Spievey, and Delmas is a good start.  Promising unit but still not good enough to compete for NFC North division crown.  To me, Schwartz is a fine head coach and will have his defense improved.  7-8 victories is surely within range.

7. Washington Redskins: Donovan still has game.  Pro-Bowl level year is not far-fetched.  McNabb has just enough weapons, just enough of a line, and an offensive genius in a head coach.  Just like in Philly, same scenario.  Imagine if Portis stays healthy, while Larry and Willie keep him fresh, ideal circumstances?  Utilizing this three-back rotation, offense would be tough to stop.  Will Shanahan put this in play?  With this being said, the defense could be the icing on the cake.  There’s more than enough reason to think the defense will do its job and considering all things you could see the Nation’s Capital rewarded with a winner.  Can they earn a Wild card berth?  Produce a 9-7, or 10-6 team?  The NFC is deep, and the NFC East is loaded.

6. Green Bay Packers: One of the most talented teams in the NFL.  Just not confident enough in their ability to win the ugly game or the close game consistently.  Run game leaves much to be desired.  Lacks the punch and power to get the tough yards on third and short.  Defense has the play makers but doesn’t hold the fort down like it should.  Overall, as a whole, too finesse and up and down? Lacking a true leader on the field?  I don’t see them getting that much better.  Quite frankly, the better teams are more balanced and I feel this team is missing a Dorsey Levens, an Ahman Green, a Reggie White, or a LeRoy Butler to take ‘em to the next level.  One week they look like world beater, the next week they lose to a winless team.

5. New York Giants: Under the radar.  All the talk is about Big D, Donovan leaving Philly for Washington, and #4.  Coughlin likes this.  They still possess the run game to control the clock.  Aerial fireworks should be in full effect mode.  And, why not?  Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, and Mario Manningham will display one of the top trios.  Defense looking for leader with Pierce gone.  Tuck?  Line can be a vaunted unit once again.  Secondary is the best its been in awhile.  That helps against pass-happy NFC East.  Don’t know if Eli is a top 10 QB.  Has to prove it and outpeform Romo and Donovan.  Best chance to make Playoffs: Balance.  Eli needs to settle down from time to time and let run game and defense do work.  More is less.  If they find and achieve level of balance, they will contend with Dallas for NFC East.

4. San Francisco 49ers: Pieces are in place on offense.  Defense is stifling.  Alex Smith can be above-average, and if he is this team can win beyond the Regular Season.  Frank Gore is the 2nd best back in the NFC behind Adrian Peterson.  Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree will make Alex Smith’s life easier.  Willis and friends will create havoc and make things difficult for opposing offenses.  Mike Singletary is the perfect coach for this team.  This is the year.  49ers football is back!

3. New Orleans Saints: Offensive line concerns, average run game, and problems stopping the run will be too hard to overcome again in 2010.  I’ll side with history and say they will not make it back to the Super Bowl.  Can we really expect Drew Brees to carry the team on a magic carpet ride again?  The party’s over New Orleans.  Defense better be prepared to do more heavy lifting.  Two players who have to have Pro-Bowl years: Pierre Thomas and Darren Sharper.  Does Sharper have another healthy high level year?  Can Reggie Bush pick up the slack and complement Pierre Thomas if he comes back down to earth?  Don’t count out Sean Payton.  Yet, how many tricks does he have up his sleeve?  Any more rabbits to pull out of his hat?

2. Dallas Cowboys: Stacked from top to bottom.  Any reason not to be at home come February?  This year its the only goal.  Destination: Super Bowl XLV.  Dallas or Bust.  Romo has all the weapons in the world at his disposal.  3-4 defense led by DeMarcus Ware can get to any QB.  The secondary looks good on paper.  Jenkins/Newman are good in man coverage.  I believe Felix Jones and Dez Bryant could be the players to get them over the top.  Two dynamic threats with the breakaway speed to burn and change a game.

1. Minnesota Vikings: Funny how Adrian Peterson is rarely ever mentioned other than for his well-documented and overly discussed fumbling habits.   Do we forget he possibly could be the NFL’s most electrifying player?  The player who could get the Vikings to the Super Bowl?  Look for Adrian and Percy Harvin to make the Vikings even better than they were in ‘09.  It’s hard to find a team that holds two explosive game breakers like “All Day” and Percy.  Is there a better duo you can offer in the open field?  Can’t forget to include Sidney Rice to the mix.  He’s near unstoppable in jump-ball scenarios.  Defensively, you have a unit that is well-rounded and pressures the QB at will.  When was the last time they were outside the Top 5 stopping the run?  This team reminds me of the 1999 Denver Broncos.  I think they have the opportunity to be that dominant.

Offense

QB: Drew Brees – Needs no introduction.  So let’s take a quick peak at his competition: Matt Ryan – quite average, easily overrated.  Jimmy Clausen – promising, yet outside of Steve Smith, who else is there?  Josh Freeman – reminds me of a more talented, athletic version of Byron Leftwich, but who is at his disposal beyond Kellen Winslow?

RB: Jonathan Stewart – This is the year.  Move over DeAngelo Williams.  Impressive performances against Minnesota (25-109, 2 total TD’s) and New York (28-206, TD) in December.  While doing this, his partner missed three contests and failed to reach the century mark the final six weeks.  The writing is on the wall.  Stewart is the back of the future —and the future is now for him in Carolina.

FB: Heath Evans – Decent all-purpose man.  Solid receiver.  Excels around the goal line when given the opportunity.

WR: Roddy White – Ryan to White.  Roddy will continue to be the main beneficiary of the Atlanta aerial plan.  Excellent deep-threat who has a knack for big-plays and picking up real estate after the reception.  Has yet to miss a game in his five-year NFL career.  One of the reasons why he’s ahead of Steve Smith.

WR: Robert Meachem – 16 yards a grab.  Finally is healthy.  Produced a five-game touchdown streak.  Steadily becoming  Brees’ favorite go-to guy.  Flourishes in the open field, cherishes red zone opportunities.  Big target with speed to burn.  Essentially this is his third year, which begs to say and dare —Sidney Rice-like third year numbers?

TE: Kellen Winslow – Once Josh Freeman was given the keys to run the Tampa offense, Kellen was on the receiving end of at least four passes every Sunday.  Not a bad start for this dynamic duo.  And despite Winslow’s baggage and injury history, it wouldn’t be outrageous to make a case for the former Hurricane being the most talented tight end in the NFL.  Keep in mind coming out of the “U” he was the 6th player chosen in the 2004 Draft!   There is no question or debate who is Josh’s #1 target, so imagine what the tantalizing tandem will accomplish with half a campaign under their belt and a full season ahead…

OL: Jordan Gross, Jahri Evans, Ryan Kalil, Davin Joseph, Jeff Otah.

Defense

DE: Will Smith – Motor of New Orleans defensive unit.  Played up to his contract and ability last year.  Will pick up where he left off.  Capable of outdoing his ‘09 performance.  Really turned it on second half of season.  Addition of Alex Brown and healthy Sedrick Ellis will help.

DE: Greg Hardy – Ole Miss 6th round draft pick.  Fell way too far.  Will overtake Everette Brown or Charles Johnson at one of the starting end positions.  Overachiever who will help make up for loss of Julius Peppers.

DT: Jonathan Babineaux – Extremely active undersized tackle who can really get after the QB.  Spark plug for Atlanta’s defense.  Good barometer to their success.

DT: Sedrick Ellis – Say the former Southern Cal Trojan re-entered the Draft this past April, would he have been selected ahead of Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy?  I clearly believe so.  I say this former USC standout will truly play the part show the defending Super Bowl champs why they drafted him so high in 2008.  Redemption.  The “bust” label and health concerns will quickly vanish.   He will redeem his old disappearing self and impact more games than the two Tampa rookies McCoy and Brian Price.

LB: Jon Beason – 2nd best LB next to Patrick Willis.  Heart and soul of the Carolina Panthers.  He’s everywhere on the field.  Coach’s dream.

LB: Curtis Lofton – Another middle linebacker who’s always in aggressive pursuit.  QB’s have to pay attention to this rapidly improving force to be reckoned with.  Also keep an eye on his fellow outside ‘backers, Stephen Nicholas and rookie from Mizzou, Sean Weatherspoon.

LB: Thomas Davis – Tough call.  Wanted to go Vilma.  He means so much to the Saints turnaround and their game plan on D.  The deciding factor: Davis will have his hand in more game-changing plays.  Not that Vilma isn’t a consistent playmaker, I just see Davis returning to form from injury to make his presence felt even louder.

CB: Aqib Talib – Despite the ageless Ronde Barber doin’ work at a high level, there’s a new sheriff in town.  Nowadays, QB’s think twice before testing Talib’s side of the turf.  He is a rising star on Raheem Morris’ ridiculously young defense in Tampa.  Learning from one of the best playmaking corners to every play the game.  Will make it to elite status by season’s end.

CB: Chris Gamble – Flip a coin.  50/50.  Heads or Tails.  Dunta Robinson is right there, neck and neck at the finish line.  Will we even know who’s the better choice before 2010 concludes?  It’s that close.  I’ll side with the more daring, adventurous risk taker of the two.  I’ll take either DB you give me on my squad any day of the week.

S: Tanard Jackson – Why doesn’t he get talked about enough?  Would likely be considered and probably included in more discussions among the best safeties in the game if he was on a better team.  Ball hawk, intimidating hitter, and tough player.  Really impressed by the fourth year pro out of Syracuse.

S: Charles Godfrey – Chris Harris is gone.  Godfrey is ready to step up and fill his shoes, becoming the new enforcer over the middle for John Fox’s D.  You will hear his name a lot in 2010.  NFC South has two other young, up and coming safeties to watch: Sherrod Martin, Carolina and William Moore, Atlanta.  Darren Sharper’s time has come.

Each and every Summer we approach a point in the off-season where the news slows down around the National Football League, and by this point you should know what that means…Predictions!   The time is certainly ripe and prime to talk about teams on the rise and teams on the decline for the upcoming season.  What better time than now?  So as we draw closer to Training Camp, I will give you my 3 up and 3 down in the NFC.  What a golden opportunity to take advantage of the June swoon.

NFC’s 3 Up:

1. New York Giants: They still have a formidable defensive line that can get to the QB in a hurry and the offensive line still remains intact, so why can’t they return to Super Bowl form?  They added Antrel Rolle to a secondary that is one of the most talented in not only the NFC, but the entire NFL.  Kenny Phillips will be back from injury, they added a pass-rushing menace in Jason Pierre-Paul from South Florida with their first round pick, and they have possess one of the most dynamic trios of wide receivers.  Hakeem Nicks is a phenom, he’s a flat-out game-changer.  Steve Smith is reliable.  Mario Manningham has a knack for the big-play during big situations.  The key will be getting Brandon Jacobs back on track.  Ahmad Bradshaw will help ease the load.  Finding a middle linebacker to replace Antonio Pierce is my only cause for concern.  Despite those two issues, I got the Giants as my #1 team to shine in the NFC.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree.  The big 3?  The sky is the limit.  S.F. improved their offensive line via Draft and they bring back a fierce defense that takes on the attitude of their coach Mike Singletary.  Patrick Willis is the best linebacker in the game and he has his unit rapidly getting better.  The key this year: settling unfinished business, sealing the deal, closing out games.  They were in every game except for the Atlanta blowout at home.  They took the NFC runner-ups down to the final play, it took a miracle, and they played Peyton’s squad as well as anyone did in the regular season at their place.  Alex Smith has the keys to the offense and he has plenty of help in order for him to be successful.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see them hosting a game come mid-January.

3. Dallas Cowboys: You could argue they have the best offense in the NFC next to New Orleans and Green Bay.  They added the most gifted athlete in the Draft in Dez Bryant.  He will pay dividends and allow those around him to excel even more, spreading things out more than ever.  While the passing game gets all the love, pub, and attention keep in mind they have one of the best 1-2 punches on the ground.  Felix Jones is your home run hitter and Marion Barber is the man in-between the tackles.  Can you name a duo that’s better?  With the best defensive player in the game and an intimidating pass rush there’s no wonder this team has such high expectations.   With so much hype surrounding America’s Team you have to believe they have the best chance to dethrone New Orleans.  Ball control and smart play-calling on offense is the only thing holding Romo and company back in Big D.

NFC’s 3 Down:

1. Atlanta Falcons: Let’s see, Matt Ryan came back down to earth, Michael Turner proved yet again it’s not smart to carry the ball more than 350 times in a season, and the defense is…just that, a defense, very average at best.  Nothing impresses me about the Birds.  Why should it?  They have yet to find a viable pass catcher to go along with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez.  Their secondary is relying upon Dunta Robinson to help turn them around.  The big thing is John Abraham is not getting any younger and he cannot be your best pass rusher.  What can you expect from him and the defensive line?  I just don’t see this team getting any better and there’s a better chance we see the Matt Ryan from last year rather than the Matt Ryan from ‘08.  In general, what you see is what you get with Ryan and this underachieving team.

2. Chicago Bears: With one of the worst offensive lines I can think of, a lack of rushing attack, and a QB that tries/has to do too much because of a young, mediocre, inexperienced receiving group you can see why Da Bears are on the list.  Can you see Mike Martz making matters worse for Cutler and crew?  Possibly.  The defense still shows the signs of yet another dismal year, especially when you consider the fact they are always playing short-handed.  Will Julius Peppers make that much of a difference?  Did he really do much to make Carolina a top defensive unit?  Playing Green Bay and Minnesota twice doesn’t make matters any better.  In essence, don’t be shocked if Detroit winds up ahead of the Windy City at the conclusion of the 2010 campaign.  I see this team losing a handful of 31-28 type ball games.

3. Seattle Seahawks: This is a team with absolutely no identity on either side of the ball.  They played it safe in the Draft and passed up on C.J. Spiller, which will turn out to be more of a monumental mistake than Pete Carroll would like to admit.  T.J. Housmandzadeh is not a #1 option and Matt Hasselbeck is all but finished.  Julius Jones, Justin Forsett, and a recovering Leon Washington?  I don’t believe any defense will have trouble sleeping the night before.  On defense you can’t really expect anyone other than Lofa Tatupu to show up on a consistent basis.  Even his play is slipping.  We welcome you to your 2010 Seattle Seahawks, where our slogan is: Expect the expected.  Translation: Don’t expect much, it’s a “transition year”.

Remember the name Matt Stewart – a long time linebacker that has played with Atlanta and Cleveland? Well, he’s now a member of the Steelers, but not as a linebacker – but as a long snapper.

Stewart hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2006, but is hoping to make a new name for himself as the clubs long snapper. He’ll take the spot of Jared Retkofsky, who was released last week.

The 30-year-old was was in training camp with Arizona and Dallas the past two seasons but didn’t make the final roster. He was a 2001 fourth-round draft pick by Atlanta. He has 60 career starts and was a core special-teams player for the Falcons until 2004 and then Cleveland (2005-06). Stewart, who played at Vanderbilt, was considered one of the top long-snappers in his draft class.

It’s an interesting signing to say the least, and if it works out, it could be a good move for a team that simply was awful in a number of areas on special teams last season.

The obvious choice is often-injured Jerious Norwood.  One week “Mysterious Jerious” shows us glimpses of stardom, only to go down the following week.  He is a more talented athlete than Burner Turner but cannot fight off the injury bug.  A pure home run hitter in every sense of the imagination, but what will his role be this season? 

Jason Snelling has proven his worth.  Michael Turner has lost weight and is in tremendous shape.  Return Specialist?  Third Down Back?  I thought he would be a difference-maker by now with his electrifying speed.  With that being said, I like three youngsters on the defensive side of the rock to rise up to the occasion and breakthrough on to the scene for Atlanta in 2010.

- Safety William Moore:  The second round selection from Mizzou appeared in only two games registering  just two tackles in ‘09.  Look for him to replace Erik Coleman, who is merely a stop-gap for a secondary that added Pro-Bowl CB Dunta Robinson in the off-season.  Coleman is not the solution, he’s too small and doesn’t make enough plays, barely being average.  Moore is the answer.   The Falcons need a more aggressive play making strong safety next to Thomas DeCoud, and Moore fits the description.  He’s got an abundance of athletic gifts at his disposal and if he stays healthy he will give Falcon fans something to cheer for on Sundays.  

The former Tiger was an All-State High School WR/CB and an All-American at the collegiate level, so he surely possesses the special characteristics to become a ball hawk for the Birds.  Already a dynamic hitter, Moore has a golden opportunity to astound and intimidate with his play.  Heading into the ’09 Draft (should’ve came out as a junior as a Top 10 pick) he was undoubtedly without hesitation my #1 rated safety, drawing strong comparisons to All-Pro Adrian Wilson.  I have to believe he has what it takes to force momentum shifting turnovers, forming a solid 1-2 punch with DeCoud.  And if you don’t believe me look no further than his junior year, when he recorded an astonishing eight interceptions, I think that speaks for itself.       

- Cornerback Christopher Owens:  Another case where the guy ahead of him in the depth chart (as of now) is mediocre and just filling in.  Owens will supplant Brent Grimes and become the starting corner opposite Dunta Robinson.  The ‘09 third round draft choice from San Jose State started six games and capped off a decent rookie campaign with a pick in the final two affairs.  Expect the upper-echelon athlete to carry over his strong play and play a key role defending the opposing team’s #2 WR and speedy slot receivers.  

Owens will receive a vast majority of the attention as teams will test him first seeing the acquisition of Dunta.  Ideally balls will be thrown his way more often that not.  Indeed plenty of chances to show his worth, which makes him a prime breakthrough candidate to make plays in a revamped Atlanta secondary.     

- Linebacker Stephen Nicholas:  I like how Atlanta drafts top-notch athletes on defense.  Nicholas made a name for himself last season stepping foot on the gridiron in all 16 contests, starting 13, while producing 80 tackles, three sacks and passes defensed, two stuffs (tackles for loss), and a forced fumble.  However, the former South Florida Bull will be challenged by Mizzou first round rookie Sean Weatherspoon.  It will certainly give him extra motivation to keep his starting position intact. 

Also keep in mind MLB Mike Peterson is getting up there in age and is still injury prone.  Nicholas has the size to play the middle and speed to play outside.  Because of his versatility, he’s an integral piece in Atlanta’s plan on D.  Team him up with budding star tackling machine Curtis Lofton and the intriguing Weatherspoon and you have the makings of a special bunch.

The Falcons are talking about wanting a new place to play, as Friday team president Rich McKay said the club wants a new stadium within seven years. In response to asking for a new home, Frank Poe, the executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center which manages the Georgia Dome, told The Associated Press on Friday that the current home of the birds may be renovated but it won’t be torn down.

Poe said a new open-air stadium for the Falcons would complement, not replace, the Georgia Dome, which opened in 1992.
“If there is a second stadium we still have to keep the Georgia Dome in operation,” Poe said.

He said the Georgia Dome must be kept to draw such events as the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Southeastern Conference football championship game and SEC basketball tournaments in 2011 and 2014. The Georgia Dome has been home to two Super Bowls and will host its third Final Four in 2013.

The Georgia Dome also hosts an annual matchup of SEC and Atlantic Coast Conference teams on the first week of the college football season. Beginning this year it will serve as the home for Georgia State in its inaugural football season.

“We can’t lose our positioning for those types of events beyond the Falcons, which have value as well,” Poe said. “The football championships, the bowl games, the other entertainment still serve our mission as an economic driver and bringing in visitors to the city.”

One high profile free agent that could have a new team soon is former Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson. Reports say that the Atlanta Falcons are close to getting a deal done with Robinson, who didn’t get the franchise tag this past season from the Texans.

Chris Mortensen says that the deal should be done soon, reporting it on his Twitter:

Falcons are working hard to wrap up this deal shortly with Dunta Robinson.

Robinson turned down$23 million guaranteed last year when the Texans franchised him. Last season, he made $9.57 million. Robinson turns 27 in April and would have to be considered the Falcons’ No. 1 cornerback if the deal is completed.

The Falcons got a steal last season when they got tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Chiefs. After a successful season that did end a little early as the Falcons missed the playoffs, there was chatter that Gonzalez would be retiring and leaving the club.

Now though Sporting News reports that Gonzalez has been stating that he’ll be sticking around next season:

Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez reassured Falcons fans that he will return for the 2010 season, according to multiple media reports late Wednesday.

“I’ll be around for sure next season,” Gonzalez said in an interview on the Falcons’ Web site.

Gonzalez told the Atlanta Journal Constitution after this past season’s final game that he was undecided whether he’d continue playing.

“Now that I’ve had a chance to get away from the game a little bit and talk to my family, I’m definitely going to be around for next year,” said Gonzalez, a 13-year NFL veteran.

Gonzalez, who finished his first season in Atlanta with 83 catches for 867 yards and six touchdowns, has 999 career receptions — most by a tight end in NFL history.