The Atlanta Falcons are the biggest sleeper in the NFC
By Joe Beasley
The Atlanta Falcons made very good moves this offseason that will set them up for success in 2020.
After back to back losing seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have become an afterthought among the NFL’s talking heads. Most are too busy salivating over the Saints, Bucs, and Packers to even notice the Falcons.
The moves that the Atlanta Falcons have made aren’t being talked about as much as they should. It’s very rare that you can pick up a running back that isn’t too far removed from his best season. Everyone wants to talk about how the Tampa Bay Bucs acquired Tom Brady who is coming off his worst season ever and Rob Gronkowski who hasn’t played since the 2018 season.
People across the NFL are banking on the Falcons falling short because of their past transgressions, including a Super Bowl let down that happened several years ago. What people aren’t thinking about is what could happen if everything comes together for that Atlanta Falcons in 2020.
Atlanta Falcons will open up a lot of eyes in the first month of the season.
The Atlanta Falcons have to potential to have one of the best offenses in the league especially if Todd Gurley can stay healthy all season. This is what could happen if all the pieces line up on offense
- 4,500 passing yards by Matt Ryan
- 1,000 rushing by Todd Gurley
- 1,000 plus receiving yards by Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley
That’s not even taking into account the production of Hunter Hurst.
The Falcons defense is coming off the second half of last season looking like one of the leagues best. In the offseason, they were able to upgrade their defensive line and address the pass rush. Yes, the secondary is young but they don’t need to be the Ray Lewis Baltimore Ravens when the offense has that type of firepower.
Many people have picked the Falcons to finish third in the division which is a shame but that’s alright. The San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, the Falcons two division rivals, and yes, even the Cowboys have been brought up before the Falcons when it comes to the playoff in the NFC.
Defensive line went from a weakness to a strength in 2020. dark. Next
That’s fine though because the Atlanta Falcons are the most slept on team in the NFC and can be as good as anyone in the NFC.