The Atlanta Falcons are hoping their offense can turn things around after a disastrous 2013 season. With an improved offensive line and a healthy wide receivers corps, the team is optimistic about their ability to become contenders again. The Falcons loaded up on depth in the offseason meaning some position groups are crowded. Could this force a player release in training camp?
An issue for the Falcons in 2013 was depth, especially at the running back position. Steven Jackson was brought on to replace Michael Turner, but injuries kept him out for a portion of the season and the Falcons' ground game suffered as a result. Now, Jackson returns healthy to join a group that consists of Jacquizz Rodgers, Antone Smith and newly drafted rookie Devonta Freeman. Suddenly the roster is crowded, but Rodgers says the competition aspect will only help players.
"There are no concerns," Rodgers said, via ESPN.com. "You've got to come and compete every year. It just makes the group better, bringing more guys. It makes everybody work harder at practice. We're going to work collectively. We're going to learn from each other. And we're going to make each other better each and every day. It wouldn't bother me because you know I'm going to go out there and work hard, and just continue to do what I've got to do. I know when I got my shot, I'm going to go all out."
Freeman has been impressing early which could hurt Rodgers' roster spot. Head coach Mike Smith has praised the rookie for his ability to block and his hands for catching passes. Freeman was drafted because the Falcons are thinking of the bigger picture. Jackson turns 31 next month and his injury history could only get worse. Attempting to avoid a situation like last year, the Falcons need all the backs they can get, but at what expense to other players? If a cut has to be made, it might be Rodgers.
The wide receiver group looks to be in much better shape. Roddy White is healthy and Julio Jones is expected to be healed by Week 1 as well. Last season, the team's top two receivers spent most of the year on the bench, not giving Matt Ryan his favorite targets. However, with both players healthy, Jones is convinced he and White make up the best tandem in the league.
"When you step on the field, you should feel that you're the best, you and whoever your partner is," Jones said. "I feel like me and Roddy, we're the best when we step on the field. We take it as a challenge every year: We want to go out and show everybody we're the best one-two in the league."
