FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- An 11-5 regular-season record and second-place finish in the NFC South got the football world talking Falcons in 2008. But even with the season in the books, there's still discussion about the record-setting performances and awards earned by the Birds.
For instance...
- Head Coach Mike Smith is up for Motorola Coach of the Year.
- Running back Michael Turner could be the next FedEx Ground Player of the Year.
- Fans can vote for quarterback Matt Ryan as Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year.
Turner is going to the Pro Bowl after a 1,699-yard, 17-touchdown season. He posted eight 100-yard games and topped the 200-yard mark twice in 2008. The power back was nominated for five FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week awards, winning twice.
Ryan was named Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press but his nine nominations for Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week during the 2008 season will be key in winning another rookie of the year honor.
Ryan threw for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2008 but his 87.7 passer rating and game management skills were a big reason why the Falcons finished 11-5 and made it to the playoffs. He's the first rookie in franchise history to post 11 wins and ranked second in the league in yards per completion (12.98).
Smith piloted the Falcons to their first playoff appearance since 2004 and resurrected a franchise that slipped to 4-12 in 2007.
The rookie head coach teamed with Ryan to be one of two coach-rookie quarterback combinations to put together a 10-win season and oversaw a group that included John Abraham (16.5 sacks, second-team All-Pro), and Pro Bowlers in Turner and wide receiver Roddy White (single-season record 1,382 receiving yards).
