Atlanta Falcons: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The Rundown

Last Season the Atlanta Falcons had a very difficult season where they finished with a record of 4-12 and also placed last in the NFC South. After firing Dan Quinn, the Falcons were able to win 4 games under Raheem Morris before hiring Arthur Smith at the conclusion of the season. The Falcons surely won’t immediately jump to the top of the division with the Buccaneers still looking strong and the Panthers defense looking dominant, but if the Falcons can solidify their playmakers early on, they can expect to be competitive in the division. 

Roster: The Good

The Good aspect about the Falcons roster seems to be on defense. Currently, the Falcons boast one of the league's best defensive linemen in Grady Jarrett. Grady Jarrett is a dominant interior lineman that has anchored that line for some years now. Unfortunately, Jarrett is the only dominant force on the line, and the exterior lineman or essentially still proving themselves. 

The secondary has some great young playmakers in AJ Terrell and Jaylin Hawkins, but staying healthy and durable in the secondary will be dependent on how well the line can get a pass rush. Without a pass rush, the likelihood of a deflated secondary is high. Coming off of a season where the passing defense was last in the league, getting back to a dominant pass rush is imperative. 

The Bad

The Falcons lack depth and competition at the quarterback position. Honestly, Matt Ryan has been pretty consistent over his career, however, it is the lack of depth that may be a giant sore for the football team. Since 2008, Matt Ryan has only missed 3 games, but with one minor injury, Matt Ryan out of the lineup places the teams immediate playoff hopes in danger. 

Currently, the team has Felipe Franks on the roster along with Josh Rosen and AJ McCarron on Injured Reserve. Keeping Matt Ryan healthy will be the major focus for the Falcons and keeping their offensive line filled in will be a week-to-week task. 

The Ugly

With future Hall of Fame receiver Julio Jones out of the picture in Atlanta, Calvin Ridley, Kyle Pitts, and Russel Gage all have a huge task. Recreating Julio Jones’ production isn’t the focus, but without Julio Jones to take eyes away from Calvin Ridley, Ridley will surely have to work harder for separation. 

Russel Gage is a good receiver that has good hands and good speed, but he is not a receiver that will command many double teams. If he can catch 60 passes for 800 yards and 4 touchdowns again, he will have a good year and prove to be a good, consistent weapon late in the season for the Falcons. 

The First Round Pick Kyle Pitts has big shoes to fill. Without much preseason action, many fans are eager to see Pitts live up to the hype. With such a large frame, Pitts is expected to be a wide, rangy receiving tight end that creates matchup nightmares. If the Falcons Offensive coordinator Dave Ragone can work the offense around Pitts, it will surely help create some separation for primary target Calvin Ridley.

Writer

-By: LeMarkus Bailey