The Atlanta Falcons "volunteered" to be the team that will be profiled on the next season of HBO's "Hard Knocks" They could have gotten out of the show if they had wanted due to their playoff appearance of two years ago. So, they chose to be on the show.
Despite a 4-12 record last season, the Atlanta Falcons are a solid football team. They were close in several games but it was injuries that really dismantled a promising season. Coming off an NFC Championship game appearance the year before, the Falcons were considered by many to be Super Bowl contenders entering the 2013 season. Then it all came apart before it even got started. The Falcons hit the 2014 offseason looking to get better, bigger, stronger, and meaner on the offensive and defensive lines. They added guard Jon Asamoah, defensive tackle Paul Soliai, and defensive end Tyson Jackson as soon as free agency opened. They added tackle Jake Matthews and defensive end Ra'Shede Hageman in the draft. Losing linebacker Sean Weatherspoon for the season with an achilles tear during OTAs was a big blow to the defense. But the Falcons have gotten a lot tougher since the disappointing 2013 finally ended. All of the NFC South teams are likely chasing the New Orleans Saints. The Carolina Panthers might have taken a step back after a terrific 2013 season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to be much improved. It's an interesting division and the Falcons should be in the thick of the title chase.
As for their appeal on "Hard Knocks," they have a lot of the pieces that should make for an entertaining show. Mike Smith is a charismatic coach. Watching offensive line coach Mike Tice work and interact with players is always a treat. General manager Thomas Dimitroff is one of the most interesting people in the entire league. They have some star power with quarterback Matt Ryan, receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White, and running back Steven Jackson. They'll like miss tight end Tony Gonzalez on the field and on screen. The 2014 Atlanta Falcons look like a good choice for "Hard Knocks." It's always nice to get to know teams that might be a bit removed from the national spotlight. The first of five episodes airs August 5th.
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