Things are looking grim for the Atlanta Falcons at the moment. The team was hopeful that 2014 would be a bounce-back season after going 4-12 in 2013 thanks to injuries to some of the biggest players. The campaign started strong with a win over the New Orleans Saints, but has derailed since. They got a big win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but now have back-to-back losses with the Chicago Bears coming to town for Week 6. The team needs improvement in several areas, the first might come with players returning from injury.
One of the biggest problems for the Falcons in 2013 were the losses of Julio Jones and Roddy White. Both wide receivers fell victim to injuries. Jones was done for the year mid-way through the season. White was in and out of the lineup thanks to a hamstring injury. Both returned healthy for 2014, but now it is Harry Douglas getting hit with the injury bug.
Douglas had a breakout season last year, putting up over 1,000 yards in wake of the injuries to White and Jones. However, he has been out the past two games with a foot injury, leaving Matt Ryan with one less receiver to work with. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Douglas is hopeful of a return against the Bears. His presence back on the field could also come with Drew Davis returning as well. The reserve wide receiver was put on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury in training camp. Getting Davis back would not only help on offense, but also on special teams as he has been crucial on the unit since signing in 2011.
Davis and Douglas will help round out the offense, but none of that matters if the offensive line struggles. The Falcons have lost several starters on the line in recent games as Lamar Holmes and Joe Hawley landed on injured reserve. Justin Blalock also sat out with a back injury, but is expected to be back for the matchup against the Bears. That would at least give the Falcons some relief on the line.
One crucial change Mike Smith sees coming is more touches for Antone Smith. The third-string running back has become one of the best offensive players for the Falcons. A. Smith currently has 121 yards off 11 carries with two touchdowns while averaging 11 yards per carry along with 156 yards receiving, averaging 26.0 yards per catch. M. Smith realizes the need to get the running back involved more as he outshines both Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers. Expect to see more of him in the backfield for Atlanta.
