The NFL count-down is ON! We are officially down to seven days until the NFL kicks off the season and down to ten days until the Atlanta Falcons make their debut. They will be competing against the Seattle Seahawks at the Mercedes Benz Stadium right here in Atlanta. This season will give the Falcons a few tests throughout that they must overcome if they want to make it to the playoffs again after three years of falling short.
The team has acquired some new faces for the upcoming season and added to their talent through free agents, trades and the draft. They signed running back Todd Gurley II and traded for tight end Hayden Hurst and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell to strengthen their offense. The hope is to complement the former first-round picks on the offensive line Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary. For defensive support the team added free agent Dante Fowler Jr. and gained three new defensive players in the draft such as A.J. Terrell from Clemson, Marlon Davidson from Auburn, and Mykal Walker from Fresno State.
The Falcons have a promising season ahead with their former NFL star quarterback, Matt Ryan, and their explosive second half defense. Ryan has some of the best receivers to play with this season such as Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, Treadwell, and of course our former MVP Julio Jones. Hurst is also predicted to be one of the NFL’s top receiving tight ends now that Austin Hooper has taken his career to the Cleveland Browns. With this lineup Atlanta should be able to make a big offensive comeback from last year.
When it comes to the Falcons defensive abilities, a lot is still yet to be determined. Grady Jarrett and Deion Jones should continue to be a defensive threat and Jones is actually predicted to be one of the NFL’s leading linebackers. On the other hand, they were ranked 22nd in passing defense last season and have not addressed these issues during their off-season. One past season downfall for the team from their 2019 season was also their offensive line, where they were ranked one of the worst rushing attacks in the league. Lindstrom and McGary were both rookies at the time and faced injuries that limited their abilities. A healthy Lindstrom and McGary as well as having the Ridley and Jones duo for the third year should help get the offense back where it needs to be.
Another hardship the team will be facing is their difficult 2020 schedule of away games. Their away game in week 16 against the Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs will be one of the most difficult matchups this season, especially if their offensive line and defensive skills do not improve. Another difficult matchup for the Falcons will be against the New Orleans Saints in week 11, which is also away. They were 2-4 in the last three years against the Saints and have to face them twice in three weeks this season. They must be prepared both offensively and defensively if they want a chance at stopping these tough opponents.
The Falcons need all the help they can get if they want a chance at the playoffs this year, and this new lineup should be able to help get them there once again. They have a difficult season coming up filled with some challenging away games, but this is an improved team that has the confidence and drive to overcome the difficulties ahead of them. With a playoff drought of three years and veteran players coming to the end of their career, the desire to make it will take over and help get them to the playoffs.
