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Austin Hooper isn’t going to have a breakout year?

By Justin Stallman

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 06: Tight end Austin Hooper (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 06: Tight end Austin Hooper (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Does Austin Hooper still have room to grow or is what we’ve seen, what the Falcons will get?

Last season didn’t exactly end how the Atlanta Falcons would’ve liked.  Finishing the regular season at 10-6 and third in the NFC South behind the Saints and Panthers whom both finished 11-5, although all three teams were playoff bound. The Falcons came up short after losing in the divisional round to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles after their wild card victory over the determined LA Rams.

Atlanta will be looking to rebound this season following their halted playoff season a year ago.  Of those looking ahead, a big focus is on determined and up-and-coming tight end Austin Hooper.  Last season Hooper finished with 49 catches for 526 yards and three TDs.  While those numbers don’t exactly shine like others in the league, Hooper is ready to prove he can run with the elite.

Hooper and Matt Ryan have been working hard together this offseason. They have been focusing on their chemistry on and off the field.

Chemistry is a big part of a successful connection, whether we’re talking about a talented sports duo or even a relationship.  Hooper could become Ryan’s new red zone threat.  Putting all the pieces together, this Falcons receiving corp will be scary.

Austin Hooper is part of a very elite receiving group, playing along side Julio Jones, Mohummad Sanu, and rookie Calvin Ridley.  This season will give him the opportunity to prove he can run with the big boys.  Hooper will be competing with a number of great TE’s this season, including; Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kielce, Zach Ertz, Delanie Walker, Greg Olsen, Kyle Rudolph, Jimmy Graham just to name a few.  Hooper definitely has big shoes to fill if he wants to become the best tight end in Falcons history.

Falcons have a decent history with Tight ends, Tony Gonzalez, Alge Crumpler, and Jim Mitchell who’ve all made their mark in Falcons record books and history.  Hooper has the opportunity to join this elite group if he can show it on the field.

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