Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The Atlanta Falcons

Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The Atlanta Falcons
By Stuart Tomlin

For my half of the Go For It On Fourth preview for the 2018 NFL season, I decided to ask fans of every team questions about how they think their team will do this season. Instead of asking just one fan per team, I decided to get as many fans as I could involved. For some teams, that was several. For some teams, that was just one fan. But we very much appreciate everyone who got involved in our Preview for the 2018 Season!

Representing the Atlanta Falcons:

First Name,

Kevin, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, @knightyukfalcon
Simon, Camblesforth, North Yorkshire

First off, sum up last season for us.

Kevin: After that Super Bowl we had to come back and return to the playoffs at least which we were the only NFC team to do so. Considering we lost so many key coaching staff in the offseason it was not too bad.

How was your offseason?

Kevin: You'll see against the Eagles but in training I like what I've seen. We now have a lot of depth across the board. Pre-season games haven't shown much but Coach Quinn has said he just wants to put players in situations to see how they react so not worried on that aspect.

Simon: Off season has been quiet on the free agency front, but Coach Quinn and GM Dimitroff knew who they were looking for in the draft. Taking Alabama WR Calvin Ridley in the first round was a shock as I was expecting trench warriors on either side of the ball to be a priority.

Key additions from free agency and the Draft?

Kevin: Calvin Ridley makes that offence scarier than it was before, won't be able to overlook anyone and double team Julio. Fusco adds experience to the oline in a scheme familiar to him. I think we drafted really well and I think Isaiah Oliver is going to make a big impact on our defence.

Simon: See above.

What's your hopes for this coming season?

Kevin: Our house, our year! Anything less will be a disappointment.

Simon: As per all fans, lifting the Lombardi- although doing it in our own house would be extra special...

What's your thoughts on your starting quarterback?

Kevin: The MVP of 2016 you mean. Last year he was dealing with a new OC in Sarkisian so there was always going to be a drop in production. This year watch this space 😀.

Simon: Matty Ice is the greatest Falcons QB in my opinion and his stats prove he is amongst the greatest too!

And your thoughts on your head coach?

Kevin: Coach Dan Quinn as really installed the Brotherhood mentality. He does so much as well to bring out the best in individuals which I think you'll really see in some players this year such as Jack Crawford. I also think this is the season the defence will be how he wants them and will be as effective as the legion of boom he had as DC in Seattle.

Simon: DQ has built a speedy hard hitting D to complement our fast paced offence. Both units under his leadership have improved and we can beat any team.

A player that will be key for you this season?

Kevin: Tough one as there is so many but has to be Matt Ryan. With the players he has on offence now and Sarkisian who is more familiar with the scheme and has an experienced play caller in Greg Knapp to help we should see Matty Ice shut up his doubters.

Simon: Julio Jones staying healthy is a key situation for the O and the play of LB Deion Jones for the D.

And who would you happily drive to their next club?

Kevin: No one. It’s all about the Brotherhood and I honestly don't think there is anyone here that doesn't fit into that.

Simon: I can honestly say there is no player I’d like to see the back of.

What made you choose to support your team?

Kevin: Mick Luckhurst was a Falcons kicker and presented here on TV so I've been a fan ever since, 30 years now. He's local as well and is my teams honorary life President at the Hertfordshire Cheetahs.

Simon: As a player in the late 80’s I wanted a team that wasn’t a Man Utd equivalent ie 49ers like my teammates and we switched to black uniforms at the same time as the Falcons. Stuck with them ever since, I sure wasn’t a glory hunter!!

For a first-time NFL fan, tell us some reasons why they should support your team?

Kevin: Look at this team and what has been built on both sides of the ball. And our stadium is mind blowing. I was lucky to be at the first game there against the Packers and was amazed at how good it is. Back there this year for the Bengals game.

Simon: The Falcons are a family. They have a dedication to each other that I don’t see across a whole team with any other franchise. We’ve had our bad times and we’re now knocking on the door of lifting the ultimate prize. Come on the journey with us.

Compare your team to a European football club.

Kevin: My team West Ham United. We’re not a glory boy club. Real fans who stick with their club through thick and thin.

Simon: Maybe Leicester, years in the wilderness but showing promise to take the league.

What's the best-case scenario for you this season?

Kevin: Lifting the Lombardi in our house.

Simon: Hmmmmm.... Super Bowl 53 in our house.... winning it of course.

And what's the worst-case scenario?

Kevin: Haha that would have to be the Aints lifting it in our house. That would probably make me feel worse than that Super Bowl loss.

Simon: The NO ‘aints lifting the trophy in MB stadium.

Julio Jones had some holding out in the offseason. Is his future in the league truly in Atlanta?

Kevin: Most definitely. Mr. Arthur Blank isn't letting him go anywhere.

Simon: Julio will remain a Falcon for his career, Of that I am certain. Arthur Blank has guaranteed this, and I have no reason to doubt that.

Predict your record for this season, and how far (if at all) you will go in the postseason.

Kevin: Unbeaten and finally lifting the Lombardi.

Simon: 11-5 and all the way baby.

Tell us who you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta on February 3rd next year?

Kevin: Our house our year.

Simon: Would you expect me to say anyone else... Falcons of course!

Anything else you'd like to promote?

Kevin: The Hertfordshire Cheetahs American Football club based in St Albans. Have had a really good year with all our kitted teams reaching the playoffs and seniors playing in the final next week.

Get involved with your local team or become a referee as with the increasing popularity of the sport we desperately need more officials.

#UKBROTHERHOOD

#RISEUP

A big thank you to Kevin and Simon for their participation.