On paper, the Atlanta Falcons have one of the best offenses in the league. Take out the continuing injuries on the offensive line and Matt Ryan along with Julio Jones, Harry Douglas, Roddy White and Steven Jackson are some of the top performers in the league. The issue is that there has yet to be an consistency to that, causing the unit the stall more than start. New head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan intend to change all of that and it starts with keeping Jones around long-term.
Age is creeping into the Falcons offense which makes a contract for Jones the top priority. Heading into the final year of his contract, the Falcons are making it clear that any rumors of a trade involving Jones are simply untrue and he will be getting a long-term contract. One of the first questions Quinn was asked in his introductory press conference was his intentions with Jones and the head coach was adamant in making sure the receiver was around for a while.
"The things I've heard about him, just in terms of the leader he's become on and off the field, can't wait to connect with him," Quinn said, vi the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "For me, just to have the chance to start the process with him, I can't wait. We love great players, and we want to celebrate all the good guys that we have. We're trying to collect more great players, not the other way around."
Jones is fresh off another big season putting up 1,593 yards and six touchdowns. Considering he is the only wide receiver under 30 for the Falcons, keeping him around is key. If Atlanta can get some consistency in the offensive line, the receiving corps will have a chance to live up to its hype. Douglas went on Atlanta's 92.9 The Game and said that the Falcons' receiving corps is unstoppable and if the team can get a run game going, they will be the best in the league.
Douglas took the time to preach his support for Shanahan and noted that he hopes the ground game becomes a priority. Since the departure of Michael Turner, the Falcons have turned out one of the worst run games in the league. Devonta Freeman appears to be a star, but the jury is out on the futures of Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers. According to Falcoholic.om, the Falcons could be in play for a running back in free agency. Quinn could pull Marshawn Lynch over or they could try and sign players like CJ Spiller, Mark Ingram or Frank Gore for help.
