News & Info/Headlines
Offense obviously will be a key for the Falcons this season, particularly if Matt Ryan can maintain an elite level of play throughout and if his top receivers remain healthy.
But can the Falcons average 30 points per game?
"That's our goal," receiver Roddy White said. "From the start of the offseason through training camp, we always told ourselves we have to score 30 a game. That's what we want to do. It's hard to score 30 in the NFL, I'm trying to tell you. I mean, we've got the personnel to do it.
"We've got to go out there and execute. We can't get off to slow starts. And we can't come out the second half being slow. You've got to go through quarters and be consistent in putting up points. If we can do that on a week-to-week basis, we've got a chance."
Since 2004, 12 teams have averaged 30 or more points per game, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Those teams had a combined record of 155-37. And only one of those teams, the '04 Kansas City Chiefs, failed to make the playoffs at 7-9.
The Falcons' highest average so far with Ryan at quarterback was 26.2 points in 2012, the year they finished 13-3 and lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
Running back Steven Jackson was asked if the offense can score 30 points per game.
"I don't know, man. We're going against NFL defenses," he said. "That's not an easy feat. You just have to take it one game at a time. You go against a [team] that's really strong on defense, they primarily built their team to be defensive-minded. It will be hard to put up 30 points against a team like that."
Sunday's opponent, Cincinnati, might be one of those teams. The Bengals allowed just 19.1 points per game last season, which ranked tied for fifth in the NFL. In this year's season opener, they allowed just 16 points against Baltimore, and the Ravens scored 26 in Thursday's night win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As McClure summed up: "If the Falcons achieve White's stated goal, it's hard to imagine many teams scoring with them this season outside of New Orleans and Green Bay, although the Packers have offensive line issues."
One thing is for sure: The offense must carry the team early in the season as the defense is coming together.
They'll face a stiff challenge from a stout Cincinnati defense.
"They are a very good football team," offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. "They don't give up very many big plays. They have a lot of really good football players. They are tough at home."
The Falcons' revamped offensive line must continue to protect Ryan.
"They've got two legitimate game-wrecker type pass rushers," Koetter said. "One on the inside (Geno Atkins) and one on the outside (Carolos Dunlap). They have a good linebacking corps. They have five corners where were first round picks.
"They've got a good mixture of talent and (head coach Marvin) Lewis is a defensive-minded head coach and their staff has been together a long time even though coach (Mike) Zimmer left, Paul Guenther is stepping up. He's continued to build on their system. They have a difficult system to handle. It gives you plenty of issues to work on. We'll have our hands full."
No doubt.