Atlanta Falcons: Lack of depth concerning for Falcons

Injuries hit every team in the NFL. It’s not a matter of if, but when and who, and the Atlanta Falcons’ depth will be seriously tested.

It’s hard not to like what the Atlanta Falcons were able to do this offseason. The pass rush still raises question marks and the new pieces need to hit the ground running, but all in all it was about as good as the Falcons could have hoped for.

Yet while the roster got better, the biggest concern is with depth.

Unlike in other sports, where championship-winning teams can sometimes go relatively injury-free throughout a season, in football they are a guarantee. By the time the Falcons sprint out of the tunnel to an electric Georgia Dome in Week 1, at least one member of the roster will likely be on injured reserve. And many more will soon follow.

Injuries can have a devastating impact on a team without adequate depth, and this is a legitimate concern for the Falcons in many positions.

In today’s NFL, you need more than one talented player at each position, such is the way with the ever-growing use of sub-packages. Quarterback is the only exception, as a serious injury to Matt Ryan would likely wipe away any hopes of a successful season, just as an injury to Cam Newton would for Carolina or Tom Brady in New England.

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Let’s start on offense. When looking position-by-position, the unit appears to be in good shape. Ryan is a capable quarterback with a good supporting cast.

Julio Jones is an elite wide receiver, Devonta Freeman was a star at running back last season and the starting quintet along the offensive line are about as solid as you could wish to see. Throw in the potential of rookie tight end Austin Hooper and second-year running back Tevin Coleman and there is plenty to be excited about.

Again, the concern lies with the depth.

The Falcons have a solid pairing at the tackle spots with Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder, but an injury to either guy would be a real issue. What if newly signed center Alex Mack goes down? Will the problems at the position of last year reemerge?

Behind Jones is Mohamed Sanu, who needs to elevate his own game to become a No. 2 wideout after being the third or fourth option throughout his time in Cincinnati. Any missed time from Jones would promote Sanu to the top of the depth chart, which are unfamiliar waters for the man who was happily sat behind A.J. Green.

Defensively, Vic Beasley looks to be the only pure pass rusher capable of lighting up backfields. Dan Quinn wants consistent pressure from the entire defensive front, but there’s no denying the shortage of true edge rushers.

Desmond Trufant has quickly become an elite cornerback, and Robert Alford is an excellent second option alongside him, yet there isn’t a whole lot to write home about when you look beyond this pairing. Jalen Collins‘ suspension didn’t help matters, nor did his disappointing rookie campaign.

Next: Tevin Coleman is ready to earn his job back

Injuries can derail any team’s hopes of achieving their goals, but some clubs are better prepared to withstand the loss of key personnel than others. The Falcons’ starting lineup gives plenty of reason for optimism, but the lack of depth at key positions could expose this team.

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