No Playoffs, No Cry

Don't let Atlanta's 7-7 record fool ya. GM Thomas Dimitroff has done an impeccable job during his brief tenure with the Falcons. His first draft class included 2008 NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year, QB Matt Ryan, WR Harry Douglas (320 Receiving yards, 226 Punt Return yards- including a 61 yd TD, 46 Kick Return yards, and 69 yards rushing in 2008), LB Curtis Lofton (128 tackles and 2 forced fumbles in 2009), DE Kroy Biermann (44 tackles and 5 sacks in '09), and Safety Thomas DeCoud (63 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions in '09).

Not only has Dimitroff done a great job in building through the draft, he has supplemented very well in free agency. Some of his key acquisitions are RB Michael Turner (1,699 yards rushing, 17 td in '08 and 871 yards rushing, 10 tds in an injury plagued 2009 season), and LB Mike Peterson (100 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, interception in '09). Prior to the current season, he sent Kansas City a future 2nd round pick, in exchange for Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez (820 yards receiving, 6 td for Falcons in 2009).

The 2009 season has not gone as I expected. But, I believe in the leadership of this franchise. Although Atlanta is no longer in contention for the playoffs, this team is headed in the right direction.

To view some of the talent Thomas Dimitroff has accumulated in Atlanta, click on the title of this post. About half way through, you'll see #83 Harry Douglas making some big plays in 2008. Unfortunately, he was sidelined for the entire '09 season with a torn ACL in August.