The offense is the focus of the Atlanta Falcons heading into the team's first preseason game. Over the past few years the team has had all of the right pieces to be a high-scoring unit, but injuries and inconsistencies have failed to let that really happen. However, 2015 could mark a new era as Kyle Shanahan steps in as coordinator. With an offensive line presumably set, players are very confident in what they can bring on the field this season.
During the offseason, the Falcons added a young running back in Tevin Coleman, two new receivers in Justin Hardy and Leonard Hankerson, a slew of depth at the offensive line and tight end Jacob Tamme. So far in training camp all of the new additions are earning rave reviews from coaches and players alike. Quarterback Matt Ryan admits that he is excited about the new offensive scheme and additions while Julio Jones is preaching consistency all year and Shanahan likes what he sees.
"They had a little bit of an advantage in OTAs," Shanahan said, via ESPN.com. "The other guys are starting to catch up, though. Everyone has had the reps. It starts to even out. It definitely should by the season. And then, you're hoping the next man up: Everyone's playing. You don't really care who the starter is; who's out there. It's the Golden State Warriors.'''
With Coleman and Devonta Freeman expected to heavily anchor the offense as the run game becomes a focal point, the offensive line will be a big deciding factor in making that happen. Over the past few years, injuries have killed any chance of the line being successful, but with a starting five clearly emerging in camp, the Falcons are optimistic.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, it would appear that Jake Matthews, James Stone, Joe Hawley, Chris Chester and Ryan Schraeder will represent the starting group for the Falcons. There has been talk of adding Jake long or Evan Mathis into the group, but that will likely only happen if injuries hit hard. The surprise of the group could be Stone who saw brief playing time last year and now getting strictly first-team reps in training camp. The left guard is simply just trying to work hard as he prepares to replace Jon Asamoah.
"I'm just working in camp, man," Stone said, via ESPN.com. "I'm trying to get as good as I can at whatever position and at all the positions in the inside."
The Falcons have high expectations this season despite the downfalls of the last two years. With Ryan and Jones leading the charge, the unit could finally reach the level they have been expected to play at over the past few seasons.
