Difficult 2022 ahead, but exciting future for Atlanta Falcons
For Falcons fans, the outlook for the upcoming 2022 season is one that brings great intrigue and optimism. Yet the expectations have changed dramatically compared to previous years.
The agonising Super Bowl LI defeat to the New England Patriots in 2017 seems like a distant, painful memory, with a complete rebuild now in full swing under second-year head coach Arthur Smith and GM Terry Fontenot.
Gone are franchise legends Julio Jones, traded last season to the Titans, and Matt Ryan, who was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in March for a third round 2022 draft pick.
Elsewhere, receiver Calvin Ridley is suspended for the entire 2022 NFL season. This is due to betting on games while he was taking a break from football last year. Linebacker Deion Jones, a possible cap or trade casualty, will spend the entire offseason recovering from shoulder surgery.
Moving on from Matty Ice
Asked by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer of the Ryan trade, Arthur Smith said it was in the team’s best interest.
“It wasn’t tough, because it had nothing to do with the respect, I have for him. He had a great career, and I’ll always be appreciative of it, very thankful I got to work with him. But we moved on, and that’s the nature of the game.”
Ryan is and always will be a legend in Atlanta. But his move to the Colts is best for all parties.
Now, with currently $13 million in cap space, the Falcons still have room to add experienced players to help their young squad.
The additions of QB Marcus Mariota, TE Anthony Firkser, LB Rashaan Evans and RB Jeremy McNichols have led to a new adopted name of ‘Atlanta Titans’. This is due to the experience these players have with Smith and Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees. All four players spent time with the coaches during their time together in Nashville.
Atlanta’s young and upcoming talent has brought a great sense of hope that the team can turn around their fortunes soon. However, it will take time to fix the issues of a talent stripped roster.
The Falcons have moved on from Ryan. But they may have to wait to find their next franchise quarterback.
Building for the future
The Falcons ranked 26th in offense and 29th overall in defense (points per game) in 2021, with the fewest sacks of any team in the NFL last season with just 18. They desperately needed to add some playmakers this offseason. And they may have just done that.
Experts have favourably graded Atlanta’s class of acquisitions from the 2022 NFL Draft. And it is clear to see why.
Drake London, taken eighth overall this year, will provide plenty of mismatches at WR, pairing nicely with Kyle Pitts to cause headaches for opposing defenses. Desmond Ridder will also bring competition and plenty of mobility at quarterback with Marcus Mariota. The new additions will help this offense to become more dynamic and the explosive potential it was lacking last year.
Doubling down on EDGE with the picks of Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone on day two in Las Vegas adds a lot of juice to the roster. Linebacker Troy Andersen at 58th overall is also a very strong pick.
Alongside the established star players in Cordarrelle Patterson, A.J. Terrell, Kyle Pitts and the recently extended Grady Jarrett, the Falcons are laying down the foundations for a successful future.
Falcons need to be patient
Of course, it is early days. The Falcons have a lot of work to do so that they can put themselves into a position to compete again in their division and eventually become a contender in the NFC.
This long-term rebuild may not see many wins in the 2022 season. But expect growing pains and a lot of fun from an exciting mix of young talent and experienced veterans who will transition into the schemes fairly easily.
Last year’s 7-10 record perhaps was flattering to Atlanta, finishing with a negative point differential of -130. With one of the more difficult schedules for 2022 on paper, less wins are more likely,.
But with another draft class and offseason next year, the direction of the franchise should be ascending nevertheless.
