re: Tony Gonzalez returning to Atlanta per NFL.COm

Put whatever he says publicly--e.g., we're so close, want one more shot at a ring--aside, IMO, as the reality is pretty simple.

Reality: one more year at a higher salary plus perks (likely a reduced training camp for him) and the chance to further pad his personal stats for posterity.

Honestly, how can anyone think the Falcons that take the field Week 1 of 2013 are still as much of a threat to get to a SB as the one who barely lost in the 2012 NFC CG?

No team exists in a vacuum, as the rest of the league changes and improves as well. At a minimum, the Falcons' biggest threats (Seahawks, Niners, Saints) will be better than they were last year.