New Faces Finally Elevate Falcons to Legitimate Super Bowl Contender

December 24, 2016   ·   Brent Sobleski   ·   Jump to comments

Quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones represent the best of the Atlanta Falcons, yet they're not the driving force behind the team's 2016 success. 
Center Alex Mack, linebacker Deion Jones, nickel corner Brian Poole, tight end Austin Hooper, safety Keanu Neal and wide receivers Taylor Gabriel and Mohamed Sanu stepped in when the roster needed an infusion of talent. Their combined presence lifted the Falcons from a .500 record to a 10-win playoff-bound squad and a legitimate contender in the NFC.  
With Sunday's 33-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, the Falcons clinched a playoff berth for the first time in four years. 
In order for a team to reach its true potential, all of the individual pieces must be working toward a common goal and performing at a satisfactory level. A franchise can't just rely on its star players. Those individuals set the tone, but they're incapable of willing an entire NFL team ...

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