Experts break down Falcons

The Falcons will begin training camp next week and they will look to put last years playoff loss behind them and try to make a deep playoff run with a new offensive and defensive coordinator, a new cornerback in Asante Samuel and a few new draft picks led by offensive lineman Peter Konz.

The Falcons are optimistic about their chances this upcoming season, but what do NFL experts think?

Pro Football Talk is releasing its power rankings each day with one team at a time, and it was recently revealed that the Falcons are the 12th best team in the league. Darian Grant, who wrote the piece, indicated that the Falcons have the skill players to reach new heights and the addition of Samuel will be very beneficial for them. But he also points out the offensive line is a huge concern and new offensive line coach Pat Hill has his work cut out for him.

Thats only one media members opinion. What do other experts have to say about the Falcons?

The guys over at ESPN have also had the Falcons 12th while Examiner has them at No. 13.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports had a differing opinion of the Falcons, slotting them seventh in his offseason power rankings. Prisco said the new offensive coordinator will give the team the much needed push that it needs in order to take that next step.

Bleacher Report did not share the same thoughts as Prisco because they had the Falcons at No. 18 in their pre-training camp power rankings. They love the tandem of Julio Jones and Roddy White, but, like many other experts, the concern is on the offensive line as well as the defensive line because the Falcons did not pass protect well and they did not generate a consistent pass rush.

So what will it take for the Falcons to be No. 1 in the rankings? They first have to show the world they can win a playoff game. In order for that to happen, the offensive line has to play better and the defensive line has to apply constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Falcons have the tools to be a very successful organization, but all the experts agree that they have to execute better in crunch time.

The Falcons have done a lot of good the last four years. However, if Atlanta wants to avoid the middle of the pack in the power rankings, the Falcons have to do a lot more and it starts on Thursday with the first day of training camp.