"Atlanta Falcons Season Preview"-Review

At the start of the year, I wrote a review for a sports website on the season just passed and my predictions for my beloved Falcons in that season. (http://forum.nfluk.com/blog.php?b=965)

Here, I will analyse where I was correct (and where I wasnt) while briefly analysing our up and down year.

Team Depths
I said - OL & RB
It was - RB

I was partly right here. The depth at running back (ie. Jason Snelling) really came to the fore when both Turner and Norwood couldn't stay healthy. Snelling racked up 613 yards this season (previous best of 62) and 4.3 yards per carry. He showed to be of Turner's ilk and he deserves at least a little recognition.

This also might be the season that Norwood leaves to get more of a starting role elsewhere, something he too deserves.

The OL was also affected by the plague which seemed to sweep its way through Flowery Branch this season. They allowed a couple more sacks this season (2009-19, 2008-17) but it appeared giving Matt Ryan less time was more of a problem.

Team Weakness
I said - LB, S
It was - CB

This maybe an area of contention but despite the promising end to the season, the CB's really struggled against the pass. This late development looked like more of a result of poor QB play, but they do deserve some due credit. However, having 5 different starters throughout the year and having one of the worst pass defenses takes its toll. They were exposed by a lack of pass rush at times and couldnt pick up the slack.

I think the LB's stepped up and did enough to get by, especially against the run. And the S's played well above expectation and it should be interesting to see how William Moore sees himself trying to break into the partnership between Coleman and De Coud.

Key Addition
I said - Gonzalez & Peterson
It was - Gonzalez & Peterson

Gonzalez & Peterson provided leadership on both sides of the ball for a relatively young Falcons side. Peterson's strengths were mostly in the intangible side, calling defensive audibles and helping younger players develop.

Gonzalez clearly has this side but his production was also vital, colelcting 867 yards and 6 touchdowns right when they were needed. He was catching balls in double (even triple) coverage all season long. True definition of an offensive weapon, not let down by his blocking.

Key Loss
I said - Milloy, Boley & Foxworth
It was - Brooking

Most fans were sad to see Brooking go but after giving away the play that let the Cardinals knock us out the playoffs, many felt it was time for him to move on. This, in my opinion, was a mistake. He seems rejuvinated in Dallas and we could have done with some solid LB play this year. However, this selection speaks more of the lack of other options, than Brookings success.

Milloy was not missed at all, Boley was injured early on and Foxworth was one of the most beat CB's in the league.

2009 Prediction
I said - 9-7
It was - 9-7

I got stick for my low prediction, but the 3rd toughest schedule took its toll. Its great to finally get rid of that curse, oh and being right!

Rising Star
I said - Harry Douglas
It was - Thomas DeCoud

Can't blame me for this one, Douglas was injured before the regular season and didn't play a down.

DeCoud really stepped up and played hard. I championed Moore to start ahead of him in the preseason, but DeCoud has really made life difficult for Mike Smith in this coming offseason. (2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions)

Fallen Angel
I said - Jamaal Anderson
It was - Jamaal Anderson

27 tackles and 0.5 sacks this season is not good enough for an 8th overall pick, even though he plays as a rotational DT as well as DE. He still hasnt had an average year statwise and only his run defense play is keeping his name on the roster.

TO

Extract of a Kiss

Ryan looked into her dark brown eyes. Like pools of chocolate they drew him closer, begging to be stared at. He looked at Scarlet, her hair cascading down like an avalanche of carnal desire. He knew that she hadn't spent long attending to it, and this only made her more appealing. She seemed to do nothing wrong in Ryan's eyes. He found this strange as he had spent a lifetime dissecting the women that had come into his life, finding faults to devoid his own happiness.
However, this girl was different. He could sense that. She seemed effortless. And made him feel effortless. Like he could truly be himself. But this had the unusual effect of ruining all the 'game' he had. But every time he appeared nervous, she just giggled.
Ryan put his hands tenderly on her shapely hips. He felt her sides. They felt as he imagined them to feel when he first saw her. Toned and defined yet still soft and curvaceous.
"I've waited all night for this embrace." he said as he held onto her protectively. "I wasn't sure of how you felt."
Scarlet looked at him with amusement. She knew from the moment they met she wanted to kiss him, but she couldn't help the gratification that came from seeing a man of such stature helpless for her.
"And what makes you think I feel anything?" she mumbled while desperately trying to disguise her glee. "I mean, are you sure I want to kiss you...?" she continued, worrying he would lose interest.
Ryan smirked, "who said anything about kissing? But good to know whats on your mind!"
Scarlet blushed, knowing the sexy mysterious facade was fading quickly. She had never been very good at flirting, but now more than ever, she wanted to woo this man.
Before she could even consider her next move Ryan used his surreptitious hands to firmly pull her closer. He did with such vigour it shocked her, but with such control his strength calmed her.
Scarlet's soft lips were exactly what Ryan had imagined, and her kiss was ten times better. Pressing firmly at first he gently softened the pressure to make the kiss linger, that way he knew Scarlet would feel butterflies as if kissed by the perfect man. He moved one hand from her waist and caressed her cheek and neck, causing shivers down her spine and goosebumps to form on her arms.
They both knew that this was the kind of kiss that was the beginning of something beautiful and their lives would somehow change.
As he pulled away, Ryan gazed into Scarlet's eyes. They were the most divine he'd ever seen. They were so innocent and inviting, he could stare for hours. As Ryan looked, he realised that he loved this girl. And this terrifying feeling was one of utter delight and sheer worry, combined. This girl had ventured somewhere no one had ever gotten near before. His heart. Scarlet had the power to make or break him, and the very fact she was unaware of this made this burning feeling even more intense.
Ryan took Scarlet by the hand and continued with the evenings festivities. They both felt an spreading warmth inside, a mischievous emotion, guessing that they knew something the other didn't. They however, felt exactly the same. They were falling love.

This is just an attempt by myself at fiction writing.



TO