Atlanta Falcons cannot settle for Kurt Benkert as the backup QB
By Adam Zippan
Atlanta Falcons have a potential backup quarterback issue with Kurt Benkert. 2020 will be an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and garnered the trust of the coaching staff and fans.
More than likely, the Atlanta Falcons will go into the 2020 season with Kurt Benkert as their backup quarterback to Matt Ryan.
The Falcons must come to grips with the realization that Kurt Benkert cannot necessarily be counted on or trusted yet. The operative word is yet.
This is assuming that current backup QB Matt Schaub is a post-June 1st casualty, which is looking more likely by the day.
Benkert is a 24-year-old undrafted, second-year player from the University of Virginia. There is a reason he went undrafted in 2018. The Falcons liked what they saw evidently and signed him as a UDFA on May 1, 2018 (post-draft)
He does have a strong arm and can make throws with both accuracy and velocity, is mobile and moves well outside of the pocket.
His biggest flaw in college was locking in on his receivers. Defensive backs in college were able to read his eyes on many plays.
Are those strengths enough for the Falcons to hand over the backup QB job for 2020? Probably not.
Look, Falcons fans have become spoiled since Matt Ryan‘s rookie year. He has only missed two starts since 2008 and has avoided almost any kind of major injury.
There has been a plethora of backup and third-string QB’s during the Matty Ice era. The list includes John Parker Wilson, Chris Redman, Dominique Davis, Luke McCown, Sean Renfree, T.J. Yates and Matt Schaub. Enough said.
Benkert had a very good chance to win the backup job in training camp in 2019. He was having a solid camp and started the Hall of Fame game in Canton, OH.
Unfortunately for him, he suffered a toe injury in the first half that was never fully revealed (of course). This landed him on IR and his season was done.
Perhaps there was way too much hype for a guy who started and played almost one half of a Hall of Fame game.
While he looked solid and did show flashes, it is way too premature for fans to declare him as the backup for the 2020 season.
Benkert needs a lot more reps and playing time in the upcoming 2020 preseason. He also needs to perform well in OTAs and training camp.
If and when he does, then he might possibly win the job and instill some promise and confidence in the fanbase.
The Falcons definitely need to draft a QB in the upcoming draft to groom for the future and to learn under Ryan and even under Benkert, so a certain degree.
Even then, they should still sign a veteran backup QB who is under the age of 38. Ryan isn’t getting any younger and who knows what the future holds for him from a longevity, health and productivity perspective.
One thing is certain about Kurt Benkert…he needs to show up to OTAs and training camp with a fresh clean look and cut his hair. Hopefully, his love of Fortnite doesn’t affect his ability to develop, learn and grow as a third-year player.