Kritik und Anregungen » orkel fit and in contention, pre-match, the

This story is part of ESPN The Magazines Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today!Atlanta FalconsOverall: 54 Title track: 78 Ownership: 45 Coaching: 47 Players: 64 Fan relations: 46 Affordability: 49 Stadium experience: 73 Bang for the buck: 62 Change from last year: +6The Falcons are in the middle of the pack, and understandably so. They were riding a high just a few years ago when they made it to the NFC Championship Game, losing to the San Francisco 49ers. But now, theyve gone three consecutive seasons without making the playoffs, leaving the fan base scratching its head. Theres still hope -- this team boasts one of the leagues most dominant receivers in Julio Jones, talented running backs in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, and a capable quarterback in Matt Ryan. But until the Falcons return to the playoffs, theyll be mired in mediocrity.Whats goodThe Falcons highest ranking came in ownership (45), and credit Arthur Blank for at least putting forth the effort to not only satisfy the fan base, but also to help the community. Blank made a strong appeal to the fans by making concession prices at the new stadium the lowest of any sports franchise. And through his foundation, he continues to contribute to building up the lower-income areas in the direct vicinity of the stadium via Westside Works. And from a team perspective, Blank has been willing to invest in hefty contracts for his top players, with $59 million guaranteed for Ryan and $47 million guaranteed for Jones.Whats badThe Falcons have never won a Super Bowl, so no surprise: A disappointing title track ranking (78) is their worst showing. Atlanta last made it to a Super Bowl during the 1998 season, when the Falcons lost to the Denver Broncos 34-19. And their trek back to the Super Bowl wont be easy -- the Carolina Panthers and upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers are contenders within their own division. The Falcons other poor showing -- a 73rd-place ranking in stadium experience -- should be solved next year, when Blank has the Falcons moving from the Georgia Dome to the $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 2017 season -- a state-of-the-art facility which will be among the leagues best.Whats newThe jury is still out on head coach Dan Quinn, now in his second season with the franchise, but he did jump eight spots in these standings, from 53rd to 47th. The former Seahawks defensive coordinator brought energy and passion to the job after taking over for the fired Mike Smith, and his 5-0 start as a rookie coach raised expectations. That just meant his teams collapse and 8-8, playoff-less finish dampened the enthusiasm. Quinn has passion, knows how to relate to players, and has a special way of motivating. If the Falcons remain the top offense in 2016 (479 YPG through Week 4) the defensive-minded Quinn may prove beyond a reasonable doubt his skills a head coach.Next: Cincinnati Bengals?| Full rankings Joey Bosa Chargers Jersey . -- Team after team passed on Andre Ellington in the draft. Jerry Tillery Youth Jersey . P.A. Parenteau scored early in the third period to help the Avs edge Toronto 2-1 on Tuesday night. Cory Sarich also scored for Colorado (3-0-0), which is off to its best ever start. http://www.prochargersteamstore.com/Youth-Junior-Seau-Elite-Jersey/ . Paul Pierce couldnt believe he missed at the end. Young scored a season-high 26 points to spark a huge effort from the leagues most productive bench, and Los Angeles beat the Brooklyn Nets 99-94 on Wednesday night after blowing a 27-point lead. LaDainian Tomlinson Jersey . - The Washington Redskins have cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca. Melvin Ingram Chargers Jersey .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was picked ahead of fast bowler Morne Morkel because Morkel is not yet fully match-fit following a back injury that has sidelined him for the last two months and also because South Africa expect the WACA pitch to break up.Keshav has done quite well domestically and with Morne Morkel coming back from injury, he is not100% fit, South Africa batsman Temba Bavuma, who scored a half-century on the first day of the Perth Test, said. Also considering the wicket might break down, it would be good to have a spinner.Bavuma, who spent more time than any of his team-mates bar Quinton de Kock in the middle, said that cracks may only show up much later in the game though. When I was batting, I didnt see any substantial breaking down of the wicket, he said, in reference to South Africas hopes of making amends for being dismissed for 242. The wicket still looks true. The ball is starting to skid on, which is a good sign.Whats happened has happened. We cant do anything to change it. Its quite obvious they have the upper hand but there will be an opportunity to knuckle down in the second innings.Before they get there, South Africa will have to bowl Australia out for what Bavuma hoped would be as low a total as possible, without Morkell, whose absence on a bouncy surface was glaring.ddddddddddddAt the toss, du Plessis explained that though he had declared Morkel fit and in contention, pre-match, there were concerns about his ability to sustain a heavy workload.Morne has been bowling well. Hes actually coming off an injury, so hes probably about 90-95% ready. Bowling long spells for him is still a little bit of a concern, du Plessis said. We just want to give him a couple of days to make sure that back gets fully fit. But I think a spinner in these conditions will be perfect.Since making his comeback, Morkel played in only one first-class match, for the Titans against the Warriors. He bowled 26 overs in the first innings and took 3 for 54. But he bowled only four overs in a short second innings and was seen doing fitness drills every day in the lead-up to this match.South Africa also have transformation targets to consider. With a requirement of a minimum average of six players of colour, of which at least two must be black African, over the course of a season, Morkels inclusion could put their numbers out. They met the requirement in the Perth Test. ' ' '