The FalconsLife message board on AtlantaFalcons.com is where die-hard Falcons fans go to talk, share ideas and discuss every imaginable topic concerning the Falcons.
During the offseason we'll take a look at a hot topic on the Talk About the Falcons department of FalconsLife and examine what's on the minds of Falcons fans.
The offseason is for debating and there's a good way taking place this week over John Abraham's Hall of Fame worthiness. AtlantaFalcons.com considered the same topic during the offseason before the 2010 season and Abraham's outlook for the Hall of Fame was favorable then and remains so now.
In more than three pages of discussion by Falcons fans on the post, the majority believe Abraham has a legitimate chance at the Hall when his career is complete. Abraham returned to the Falcons in the offseason for three more years and if he remains on the pace he's been on with the Falcons in recent seasons he could potentially find himself in the top ten all-time in sacks in the league. He's currently the active leader with 112 sacks with Jared Allen behind him with 105.
On the all-time rankings Abraham is 16th, one behind Sean Jones' 113.
Despite his impressive company on the sack lists, most fans believe Abraham's best shot at getting into the Hall of Fame will come with a Super Bowl ring. Abraham recently said he believes the Falcons have a great core in place and are ready to take the next step with a playoff win and more. The talent in place was a significant factor, along with the presence of his former defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and his comfort level in Atlanta, in his decision to return this season to the Falcons.
With Nolan placing an emphasis on getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks with his front four, Abraham will be playing in a scheme for the next three seasons that enables him to do what he does best: get to the quarterback. If he continues to ring up sacks, which Nolan will scheme to ensure, a Super Bowl ring may not be a factor in the voting of Abraham into the Hall of Fame.
On the other hand, Abraham would be the first to say the Super Bowl is all he's focused on right now. The Hall of Fame discussion for him personally will likely come long after the 34-year old defensive end's career is over. In the meantime, it's always fun to speculate on who is and isn't deserving of a HOF vote.
