New beginning for Falcons: 2008 resembles Super Bowl team

I know I haven't written on my blog in a long time. Lets just say I had an extended vacation to savor the unexpected start of the Falcons for the 2008 season. Forget anthing I said previously in any of my posts about any of the players or coaches. The entire organization has caught me by surprise, and it is a good surprise.

Unlike in previous years under Jim Mora, Jr. and Bobby Petrino, this team actually looks like a football team. Head coach Mike Smith and the coordinators are actually calling plays to try to win a game, and three out of five is not bad for a team that was projected in the off season to only win one game.

The best off season acquisition for the Falcons in recent memory has to be this year's top rusher Michael Turner. He leads the league with 543 yards on 103 carries, while stepping into the end zone 6 times. His yards per average isn't that bad either at 5.3 per carry. One of the reasons for his success can be contributed to the offensive line that has held up really well. Turner also stays low to the ground while his legs keep moving forward.

I was among many  on draft day to hesitate when Matt Ryan's name was called with the third pick in the first round. I thought going defense with the first pick and selecting Glen Dorsey was the way to go. That is why I write stories and not selecting players for million dollar organizations. Ryan's stats so far through five games resembles a rookie, but he has led the team to a 3-2 start. The reason for the 3-2 start is because of his sense of presence in the huddle. Ryan plays like a 4-year veteran. For a rookie he has had the ability to read what defenses have thrown at him. He also works the no huddle to a charm. Through five games Ryan has a 75.3 rating while tallying 3 touchdowns to two interceptions. He has thrown for 863 yards thus far.

The way this team is being built is a team for the future that has progressed way ahead of schedule. Lets compare a few players from this team to the Super Bowl team of 1998. Lets start with the head men Dan Reeves and Smith. Both are a run first teams that sets up the pass. Both are not going to stray from this scheme. Jamal Anderson and Turner. Both are 200 plus power backs that have the burst from the line of scrimmage and can pull off 50 to 60 yard runs. Both stay low to the ground and keep their legs moving. Both offensive lines are very underrated and play under the radar. This year left takle Sam Baker has been Ryan's life saver. Terance Mathis and Roddy White. Both are not flashy, and both can catch the deep ball as well as the underneath pass. Though White does run a little faster than Mathis. Morten Andersen and Jason Elam. Both are veteran solid kickers that can kick a late game-winning field goal. Last, both defenses are not top notch or horrible, but they get the job done when it counts. Example, Michael Boley saving the game versus the Packers with the late fourth quarter INT from Aaron Rodgers.

This team is not built like the 2004 Division Championship team with speed and entertainment. This team is built old school, run first, and hit them in the mouth type of team. This team is built the way football is meant to be played.