From John Clanton's Mailbag
 

Many NFL free agents settled for one-year deals - ESPN

Q: I like the Falcons' upgrades during this offseason. Letting Michael Jenkins go while adding Julio Jones was a solid "win now" move (even though they probably gave up too much to get him). Ray Edwards is a huge plus on the defensive line as well. Other than staying healthy and the Philadelphia Eagles, what do you see as the biggest thing keeping the Falcons from a trip to the Super Bowl this year?

Rob in Raleigh, N.C.

A:

Their biggest obstacle will be the New Orleans Saints. You're right about the way the Falcons have handled the offseason. They have made huge upgrades, though they didn't make a lot of moves. Jones might be the most impressive rookie I've seen this preseason. He's a force on short passes, long passes and blocking. Edwards has been nursing a knee injury but he's a much-needed addition to the pass rush. They lost Harvey Dahl, but they had two possible replacements waiting in the wings. They are one of the best teams in the NFC, but they have to make sure they stay ahead of the Saints, who had a great offseason and have Drew Brees.

I hate the Fal-queens!! Seriously f--ken hate them!!

We all feel the same.

I find the acquistion of Edwards way more important to them as opposed to the drafting of Jones. I don't envision Jones having the type of impact on their offense as everyone is hyping him up to be. I think his numbers will be quite similiar to what Jenkins were giving them as he develops. Not saying he won't be really good down the road... but not just yet. The Abraham/Edwards combo is quite impressive.

Thanks John.

F the falcons. We are gonna sweep em again this year! WHO DAT!

I hate any team assoc with fowl. My H.S. mascot was a freakin Pelican.

They can say what they want, but they gave up too much to acquire Jones.

Jenkins looked good playing for the Vikes against the Seahawks... as did McNabb, who might have a really good season with the Vikes.

I wish we could get Chad Greenway from them to play OLB for the Saints - he was tackling everybody in that game.

WHO DAT !!!