That banging sound was door closing on the Super Bowl dreams of the Atlanta Falcons. Fans should brace themselves because the rumors are true. Julio Jones is likely out for the season after suffering a foot injury in the loss against the New York Jets. Head coach Mike Smith notes that it is too early to call Jones out for the season, but the initial doctor's report is not positive.
The loss of Jones is catastrophic. The Falcons are 4.5 games behind the New Orleans Saints. Without their top wide receiver, that hump will be hard to overcome. Just looking at the numbers, Jones' absence cannot be filled. Jones currently leads the NFL in receptions with 41 and yards after the catch with 248. He was on his way to his best season with the team, having 580 total yards on the year. Jones was averaging 14.1 yards per catch.
To top the loss of Jones off, Roddy White suffered yet another injury setback after he hurt his hamstring during the Jets game. White was already working to return after suffering a high ankle sprain in the preseason. The hamstring injury makes it worse. Steven Jackson is still out with a hamstring issue. The Falcons bye week cannot come soon enough.
So how does Atlanta move on? A trade would be pointless. Time to get realistic, the Falcons post-season dreams are done. Thomas Dimitroff should save draft picks for April. The team will likely turn to free agency and sign someone for the remainder of the year. Fans can expect to hear about players come in for tryouts later in the week. But who does the team have on the roster to help now?
Of course there is Tony Gonzalez, but he will likely be triple-covered right into retirement. Unfortunaly Matt Ryan cannot throw him the ball on every play. Harry Douglas, the ever reliable No. 3, will turn into the No. 2 behind White assuming he is healthy after the bye week. Drew Davis, praised for his preseason work, will move up as the No. 3 option. The second year receiver has been a solid rotational player. Expect Kevin Cone to get more playing time. He has one catch on the year. The rise of rookie tight end Levine Toilolo will be helpful. He has two touchdowns on the year.
Mike Smith admits the 1-4 start to the season is a big disappointment. The head coach notes that injuries are not an excuse, but they certainly hurt the goals originally set. Falcons should put their hopes in getting White and Jackson back after the bye week and possibly beating the Buccaneers.
