Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to throw a pass against defensive end Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to throw a pass against defensive end Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons just missed a return trip to the Super Bowl last season and they want revenge in 2018. Matt Ryan and this team’s offense will give them a chance to go further this season.

Obviously the offense’s ability to succeed depends largely on Julio Jones’ presence on the field. Ryan gets paid the big bucks, but Jones is the team’s best offensive player. His current holdout is a significant injury to watch going forward.

The good news is that the Falcons are still set up to run the football with authority. Devonta Freeman will get tons of carries this season. Running behind guys like Jake Matthews and Alex Mack should allow him to put up big numbers.

The biggest weakness Atlanta possesses is their inability to rush the passer. Adrian Clayborn was their leading sack artist a season ago, but he left for the Patriots via free agency. Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley will need to pick up the slack. Beasley, in particular, needs to bounce back from a disastrous 2017.

If the pass rush can perform, the secondary should hold up its end of the bargain. Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford give the team two solid corners to work with. As long as they aren’t overexposed, they should play pretty well.

The Falcons have the high-end talent and roster depth to make a deep postseason run. Just how deep will depend on the defense’s ability to rush the passer when it counts.