Op/Ed: Falcons Upcoming Season

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After years of anguish, Falcons fans have something to look forward to this season. The team padded its rosters with new Offense and Defense. Today, Drew and Sean give their opinions on how they think the Falcons will perform. 
by Drew Caraway and Sean Clift

image from John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

After years of anguish, Falcons fans have something to look forward to this season. The team signed 4x Pro Bowl Quarterback, Kirk Cousins, revamped the Defense with multiple signings, including 4x All-Pro Safety Justin Simmons, a big trade for 4x Pro Bowl Edge Rusher Matthew Judon, and drafted their QB of the Future, in Michael Penix Jr. Today, Drew and Sean give their opinions on how they think the Falcons will perform. 

Offseason Additions
The Falcons didn’t seem to struggle on either side of the ball last year, ranking 17th in total offense and 11th in total defense (via NFL). But, changes needed to be made, especially at the Head Coach position. Here are some of the main additions made by the organization:

• Raheem Morris, HC
• Zac Robinson, OC
• Jimmy Lake, DC
• Kirk Cousins, QB
• Michael Penix Jr, QB
• Rondale Moore, WR
• Darnell Mooney, WR
• Matthew Judon, DE
• Justin Simmons, FS

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AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Will Fans See Improvement?
Drew- I feel like there will be potential for improvement, but the team will have a better season in year two under Cousins than year one. I can see them getting a solid 9-11 wins in year one, but they could get 12-13 in year two. As a Falcons fan, I actually have hope for the QB position for the next coming years. I don’t like Penix being chosen at the #8 pick, but I can see what the front office is trying to accomplish. Having Cousins is one of the perfect mentors for Penix.

Sean- I think the Falcons are definitely looking up. The new signings and draft picks really built around our struggling defense and offensive core. Firing Arthur Smith and signing Raheem Morris was a very good decision based on how the Falcons performed last year. Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons are great players that I think the Falcon’s can utilize to make the defense terrifying to face. Hopefully on our offensive side we can utilize Bijan Robinson and make use of our exceptional receiver core. 

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AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Was Penix the Right Pick?
Drew- I didn’t like it at first, and to be honest, I still don’t. However, in a couple years, I could see Penix doing exceptionally well. With Kirk Cousins as his mentor, Penix could be a solid QB for Atlanta his first couple years starting, then turn into an elite QB after getting some real action, maybe a year or two.
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Sean- Drafting a QB was a good decision by the Falcons, but not in the first round. Even though Michael Penix is an amazing quarterback, there were much better players on the board that the Falcons needed. Drafting someone on the O-Line could’ve provided the Falcons with more than just emergency options. 

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Record Predictions
Drew- I can see the Falcons going, 9-8, but I can also see a 12-5 record from this team. I’m gonna meet in the middle and go with 10-7 for year one. For year two, I feel like this team will truly make noise and have a record between 10-7 or 13-4. I think we’ll draft some good guys and Kirk will finally get a full feel of everything. 

Sean- Whenever it comes to the Falcons it is practically a random chance if they are going to perform well or not. I’m hoping with this improved team with several veteran players, the Falcon’s can climb out of the hole they dug themselves. I’m predicting a 10-7 for year one and a 12-5 for year two.

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Final Thoughts
The Falcons will have a lot of weight on their shoulders for the upcoming season. As Falcons fans ourselves, we are looking forward to seeing what the team can accomplish for this upcoming 2024 season.