Expectations were high for the Atlanta Falcons in 2013. After making it to the NFC championship game the previous season, the Falcons looked poised at a real Super Bowl run. However, injuries and inconsistencies ended that dream and the Falcons instead limped to a 4-12 record earning themselves a high draft pick. Now the team returns with most of their offensive stars healthy, a revamped offensive line and new, young defenders that get their first test of NFL action as the Falcons face off against the Miami Dolphins in the first week of preseason football.
The biggest offseason addition for the Falcons was a healthy Julio Jones and Roddy White. Both wide receivers went down with injuries last season, ending any hope of a playoff run. The result was No. 3 receiver Harry Douglas getting his first career 1,000-ayrd season and Tony Gonzalez being double-teamed right into retirement. Now the two stars return as Jones predicts they could be the first duo to each put up 1,500 yards a piece, something that has never been done.
The injury bug has already hit the Falcons on both sides of the ball. The team has lost Sean Weatherspoon for the season after he tore his Achilles tendon. That puts a big hole in the linebacker spot for the team. Running back Steven Jackson also went down with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the remainder of training camp. That is not the start Atlanta wanted, but the team is confident they will be highly competitive this year.
The Miami Dolphins enter the year with all eyes once again on their offense. Many are waiting to see if Ryan Tannehill makes the jump towards elite status. They have attempted to upgrade their ground game by adding Knowshon Moreno as their lead rusher, but he showed up to camp out of shape and then promptly got injured which led to Lamar Miller getting the starting job. Moreno was just cleared to practice so that is a storyline to watch.
The Dolphins are also hoping their wide receivers group also takes shape. Mike Wallace has high expectations entering the season, but injuries have hurt his progress with Tannehill. The same can be said for Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson who will be relied on heavily this year.
