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Previewing how the Panthers stack up against the NFC South in 2019

By Josh Altorfer

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs into the end zone for a 25 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs into the end zone for a 25 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 23: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 23: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2019 Preview: Atlanta Falcons

2018 Record: 7-9, Second In NFC South

Key Additions:

OG Jamon Brown, FA

OG Chris Lindstrom, Draft

OT Kaleb McCary, Draft

Key Losses:

RB Tevin Coleman

DE Bruce Irvin

Recap:

The Atlanta Falcons spent their offseason with one goal in mind: to protect their franchise quarterback, Matt Ryan. They added guard Chris Lindstrom from Boston College and tackle Kaleb McCary from Washington through the draft. They also picked up guard Jamon Brown through free agency. Lindstrom projects to start Week 1 while Brown and McCary are added depth that will rotate in if injuries occur.

Perhaps none of these additions are as significant as who they are getting back from injury. Safety Keanu Neal was limited to only one game in 2018 after tearing his ACL. Running back Devonta Freeman was limited to only two games last season before hitting Injure Reserved with a groin injury.

The Falcons only lost two significant starting players in running back Tevin Coleman and defensive end Bruce Irvin. Atlanta’s running back depth takes a hit losing Coleman, especially if Freeman suffers any setback from his groin injury. They will also miss Irvin’s ability to rush the passer on defense.

2019 Projections:

The Falcons are always a threat to make a playoff run thanks to their high-powered offense. Defensive coordinators have a tough time accounting for an offense with Ryan at quarterback and big-play receivers like Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. The biggest concern is their defense. If head coach Dan Quinn can turnaround Atlanta’s defense this season, they could be a scary team.

The best-case scenario for the Falcons would be a 10-6 finish that lands them in the playoffs with a Wildcard spot. NFL fans know that once a team sneaks into the playoffs, anything is possible. The Falcons are a good team however, it is questionable whether they did enough this offseason to improve their win total and make a playoff push.

The more realistic outcome is that the Falcons remain a middle of the pack team. The NFC South is an extremely tough division. The Falcons have the firepower to dominate on offense, but the lack of addressing the needs on the defense will leave them in a similar position as last year. They will get themselves into a lot of shootouts. They’ll win some and lose some, finishing 8-8.

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