Atlanta Falcons Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021NFC Preview 2021NFC South Preview 2021NFCNFC SouthAtlanta Falcons

Sep 3

Our Atlanta Falcons preview 2021 observes it was in 2016 that this team went 13-3, won the NFC, and got all the way to Super Bowl LI. In the big game, they played the New England Patriots and won the first half 21-3. However, in the second half, the Falcons suffered a monumental collapse, as the Pats roared back to tie the game 28-all and win in overtime. The next season, the Falcons went 11-5, earning a Wild Card berth. They were eliminated by the Eagles in the Divisional Round 15-10. Since then, Atlanta has not made the postseason, recording three straight losing season. In 2020, they were 4-12, finishing last in the NFC South.

Falcons Offense

The Falcons decided to stick with quarterback Matt Ryan (626 ATT, 407 COMP, 4,581 YDs, 26 TDs, 11 INTs). Ryan led the fifth-ranked pass offense. Although he was good, Ryan was not stellar. The QB claims he has plenty of gas left in the tank. The O-line loses Alex Mack and James Carpenter. Last year, the front was an issue. This looks to be the case once again.

The good news is the Falcons come to the field with one of the best pass-catching units in the NFL. The four top receivers from last season return. Plus, Atlanta drafted Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. Pitts is tall, fast, and quick. Consequently, expect to see him have an impact immediately. Last season, Calvin Ridley (90 REC, 1,374 YDs, 15.3 AVG, 9 TDs) led the team in receptions, receiving yards, average yards per catch, and touchdowns. He’s a deep threat and game changer. Last season, with the Panthers, running back Mike Davis (165 ATT, 642 YDs, 3.9 AVG, 6 TDs) recorded his best numbers. He joins the Falcons as their number one rusher.

Atlanta Falcons Preview – Defense

In 2020, the Falcon defense was relatively unimpressive. They were 29th in total defense, 32nd in pass D, and 23rd in sacks. Against the rush, they ranked sixth, as they allowed 104.8 YPG. Our Atlanta Falcons preview 2021 observes that last season the frontline underperformed. For this year, they’ve lost some essential vets and drafted some promising talent. Pro-Bowler Grady Jarrett (4 SCKs) is the anchor of this group. The big question is can they manufacture an effective pass rush?

The linebacking group is the best unit on this side of the ball. They’re good, but are they good enough? MLB Deion Jones (105 TKLs, 4.5 SCKs, 2 INTs) is a premium defender. ILB Foyesade Oluokun (116 TKLs, 2 INTs) ably stops the run. Together, they are the foundational leaders on D. The four safeties from last season were not retained. Reliable free agents Duron Harmon and Erik Harris come in to stabilize the secondary. Versatile rookie Richie Grant should see action. Corner Fabian Moreau, who comes to Atlanta after four seasons with Washington, is solid in man-to-man coverage. Second-year corner A.J. Terrell, formerly of Clemson, returns. He’s got solid chops.

Atlanta Falcons Special Teams

On special teams, long snapper Josh Harris, a 10-year vet, is reliable and accurate. In 2020, his second NFL season, kicker Younghoe Koo (33/36 XPs, 37/39 FGs) earned Pro-Bowl status after going eight-of-eight on field goals of 50-plus yards. Rookie punter Cameron Nizialek, who played for Georgia, replaces the problematic Sterling Hofrichter. Avery Williams and Cordarrelle Patterson handle punts and kicks respectively.