The Falcons enter the 2024 campaign with playoff aspirations and an offense that projects to get them there.
Zac Robinson and Kirk Cousins will have to assimilate, and the veteran’s Achilles will certainly be a factor in the unit’s effectiveness, but other than that, where are the question marks?
Cousins isn’t Patrick Mahomes, but he is compared to Desmond Ridder. Kyle Pitts is healthy. Drake London and Bijan Robinson finally have a competent quarterback. The offensive line returns all five starters and is expected to be one of the best groups in football, and Robinson is praised as the next great offensive mind in the NFL.
So, why aren’t the Falcons being talked about like a Super Bowl threat? That’s easy — the defense.
Raheem Morris and Jimmy Lake have their work cut out for them. Unlike the offense, the defense has more questions than answers. The Falcons are hoping starters emerge at more than half of the positions on that side of the ball.
The starting boundary corner spot is up for grabs opposite of A.J. Terrell. The nickel and safety positions are up for grabs. Kaden Elliss needs a running mate on the second level, and both edge roles are open for competition.
What’s most concerning are the options that the Falcons have to choose from. Three of those positions were Bleacher Report’s pick of the weakest on the roster, and I agree.
Biggest Weaknesses
- 2nd Cornerback
- Edge-Rusher
- Safety
The Falcons have the bodies to potentially put together an exciting defensive front. David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett will anchor the unit, while a slew of others — Brandon Dorlus, Eddie Goldman, Ruke Orhorhoro, Ta’Quon Graham, Lorenzo Carter, Bralen Trice, Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone, and James Smith-Williams — will compete for snaps next to the pair.
However, the secondary isn’t as robust in options. Clark Phillips and Mike Hughes seem to be competing for the starting boundary role while Dee Alford looks ready to assume nickel responsibilities. Other than that, the Falcons have Antonio Hamilton to rely on. As far as safety, it’s Richie Grant, a second-round pick that hasn’t lived up to the billing, and DeMarcco Hellams, a seventh-round pick.
It seems obvious: the Falcons need to add proven commodities, as Bleacher Report points out.
Add Now: CB Stephon Gilmore
“While Gilmore isn’t the same player he used to be, he is coming off a strong campaign in which he allowed an 83.3 passer rating when targeted and earned a 74.4 grade from Pro Football Focus.”
If A.J. Terrell or Jessie Bates goes down for an extended period, the Falcons secondary will be toast. Depth is important, and Atlanta doesn’t have any in that area.
