By: Drayton Hogarth

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Atlanta Falcons will kick off their 51st season in the NFL, with the ultimate goal to finally bring home their first Lombardi trophy.

Head coach Dan Quinn will look to improve upon the team’s 8-8 record from last season.

There were some significant improvements made via free agency, depth added in the draft, and players who should continue to improve under the Quinn regime. The Falcons will be opening a brand new, state of the art retractable-roof stadium called Mercedes Benz Stadium, so long-time owner Arthur Blank would love to have a magical season to coincide with the opening of the Falcons’ new home.

Offensively, Atlanta took steps to rectify what has been a glaring weakness for several seasons with the signing of multi-time pro bowler Alex Mack at center. Mack should solidify the interior of the offensive line, and provide both power and the smarts to make the correct line calls.

The two signees from last season’s free agent class, Chris Chester and Andy Levitre, were retained and will allow the line to continue to progress as a unit. At the offensive tackle position, the Falcons have developed two players in drastically different ways with Jake Mathews and Ryan Schraeder.

Mathews was the 6th selection in the 2014 draft, and has started from day one at left tackle, and protecting Matt Ryan’s blind side. Schraeder was an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State and has been slowly allowed to progress over the last couple of seasons. Both started all 16 games last season, and the offensive line allowed the Falcons running game to become one of the best in the NFL.

Speaking of the running attack, Devonta Freeman was the recipient of the improved blocking last season, and had a pro bowl season because of it. The Falcons will need Freeman to continue at this level to provide balance for the offense.

The ability to pass the ball needs to improve; this sounds odd having the likes of Julio Jones and Matt Ryan leading the way. However, the Falcons allowed an aging Roddy White to depart while signing the uber athletic Mohamed Sanu.

Third wide receiver Justin Hardy should be the beneficiary of opposing defenses focusing on Jones and Sanu. Tight end Jacob Tamme quietly had a solid season for the Falcons, but draftee Austin Hooper will provide a good red zone target for Matt Ryan.

Alas, this is where the most concern is for the Falcons this upcoming season. The franchise quarterback, Matt Ryan, has continued to struggle this preseason, especially in the red zone.

Ryan has developed a penchant for forcing passes near the goal line, and it appears has lost some of the power on his deep passes. Ryan has no more excuses to take the next step in his NFL career.

The Falcons have the offensive line, running game, and brought in receiving threats that any quarterback would love to have at his disposal.

Coach Dan Quinn brought in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to allow Matt Ryan the opportunity to utilize his arm and smarts to their fullest.

Shanahan offenses typically provide a strong running attack and allow a quarterback to play action and roll out options to keep opposing defenses on their heels. The running game, as mentioned above, has taken root.

However, Ryan has yet to look comfortable with the rollout calls and has not been able to demonstrate that he has the arm strength to fully take advantage of having a wide receiver as talented as Julio Jones. Why that has not happened yet, no one knows.

I still believe that Ryan can take that next step. He has to trust his receivers and let it rip. Ryan has no more excuses, everything is in place for him to lead the most potent offense in Falcons history.