Atlanta Falcons Week 1 Preview

The Falcons open up at home against a new foe. Arthur Smith's new team the Pittsburgh Steelers. I know that we shouldn't be saying that week 1 is a must win for the falcons, but in order to get this season off on the right foot, and with the tough stretch that the Falcons have through the first three weeks, we really need to get off on the right foot and at least go 1-2 through this stretch.

Offense

I am looking to see big things from this offense. With the offseason signing of Kirk Cousins some of these super talented young players will get to play with a real quarterback for the first time in their young NFL careers. Kyle Pitts for starters was a thousand yard receiver in his first year with a shell of what Matt Ryan was and then ran into an ACL injury, and to make things worse he had to rely on Desmond Ridder to get him the ball. I expect big things out of Pitts and hope that he will prove himself worthy of a second contract with the Falcons, because at the height of his potential he is a total game changer on the offensive side of the ball. Drake London, welcome to Drake London's break out year folks. This guy has been primed to be a bonafide wide receiver one since he stepped in the building in Flowery Branch, but has been hamstrung by quarterback play. He has shown flashes of abilities that indicate that his ceiling is to be one of the top receivers in the league. Bijan Robinson, this was the one young guy that was not solely hampered by quarterback play. The biggest issue with Bijan Robinson last year was the man in charge. Arthur Smith watched a guy create magic with the ball in his hands, and Arthur Smith would rather give an end around to a third string tight end than Bijan in the red zone. With the two biggest issues being fixed this offseason in the quarterback position and the play caller, I expect this offense to explode this year.

Defense

Terry Fontenot was ridiculed all offseason for drafting Michael Penix Jr. and not addressing the edge position. But boy has he shut up the critics there, he went out and got a guy that is worth ten sacks minimum, Matthew Judon. Terry wasn't done there either, he brought in the number one defensive free agent in with Justin Simmons. Terry loaded this defense up with veteran talent that can help grow and nurture the younger talent that is already on the team. I think that it is interesting that the Falcons have chose not to sign either of these players to longterm deals, and I think this can be for two reasons. Either Terry believes that this team is built to make a playoff run and then it's just last man standing once you get there. The second reason is with the likes of Kyle Pitts and Drake London needing new deals soon, and the uncertainty behind whether they are worthy of big long term money (the more likely reason). AJ Terrell received his well deserved extension this offseason and big things are expected of him. Grady Jarret is back from injury and should supply leadership and pressure. I expect this defense to finish top fifteen in quarterback pressure and top ten in takeaways, and that is the recipe for success for this defense. With some of the shortcomings that are found in this defense, those can be fixed with pressure on the quarterback and taking the ball away. This defense will win the Falcons close games this year.