Bright spots for the Atlanta Falcons so far in 2019
By Joe Beasley
Through four games, the season for the Atlanta Falcons has been nothing but tragic. The running game has been nonexistent, Matt Ryan is running for his life, the defense is trash and the coaching has been horrendous.
Through it all and as tough as it may be to find, there have been a few positives so far from an Atlanta Falcons team that’s underperforming.
Austin Hooper is proving that he is one of the most dependable tight ends in the NFL, proving to everyone that last season wasn’t a fluke. Through a quarter of the season, he ranks fifth among players in receptions above the likes of Deandre Hopkins, Travis Kelci, and even our very own Julio Jones.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that he’s been the best player on offense for the Falcons.
Even with a nonexistent running game, Ito Smith has been able to produce even with the flag-football offensive line. Smith has only rushed the ball only a quarter of the amount that Freeman has rushed (13 to 47), but only has almost twice as less the number of yards (157 to 74) and has the only rushing touchdown this season for the Falcons and averaging 5.7 yards a carry.
Don’t be surprised, if, down the line, Ito Smith starts to take carries away from Freeman until he gets his mind right, maybe even deciding to part ways with Freeman in the future. Ito Smith could eventually end up being a diamond in the rough
Now this one is a stretch but if the draft were to happen right now, the Falcons would have the 7th overall pick. The Falcons had a few people scratching their heads when they drafted lineman Chris Lindstrom and Caleb McGary in the first round.
Yes, the offensive line was a weakness and a need for the team, but depth on the defensive side of the ball was an issue too. They passed on talented players like Greedy Williams, Brian Burns and Darnell Savage. Depth, especially in the secondary, would have been clutch right now especially with the injury to Keanu Neal.
No, the Atlanta Falcons will not go out and draft a quarterback if they were to get a selection this high, but they should be able to find an impact player on defense in the top 10.
Next. Falcons have a lot to offer the right head coach. dark
Hopefully, the Falcons can turn around the season do Falcons fans won’t have to try the find the silver lining in such a disappointing season.