The disrespect of the Atlanta Falcons by ESPN continues
By Ross Terrell
The Atlanta Falcons continue to rack up more diss tracks than a 90s rap feud.
It seems that every time ESPN releases a new list of some sort involving the NFL, they’ve made it a point to disrespect the Atlanta Falcons. And quite frankly, it’s getting old. The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the most consistently frustrating teams sure, but the talent that has come through is nothing to be laughed at.
Outside of Julio Jones, national pundits like to act as if Matt Ryan is nothing, Grady Jarrett is a top tier defensive tackle and like Deion Jones isn’t one of the best young talents at the linebacker position. The guys and gals over at ESPN put together their NFC South team of the decade.
On it were three Falcons total between offense and defense and then on special teams, two more made the list. Not on there: Grady Jarrett. There is no way Kawaan Short is more deserving of that spot over him.
Keep in mind Jarrett is younger, has played in 19 fewer games. Also, Short only managed to play in two games last year, Jarrett all 16.
Grady Jarrett is among the best three defensive tackles and will help lead the Atlanta Falcons back to the playoffs in 2020.
If Jarrett keeps up his pace, he will have more tackles and more sacks by the time he hits the 96 game mark as Short has. Oh, and who is second all-time for most sacks in a Super Bowl game, Grady Jarrett. The fact that he doesn’t make this list is laughable.
The NFL also released its list of best players from each college conference and representing ACC schools at quarterback, Lamar Jackson. That is a pure representation of recency bias. Can Lamar Jackson be great?
Absolutely. This isn’t a hit piece on him. But Matt Ryan continues to inch toward Hall of Fame status. The man is one of the most clutch quarterbacks to play the game and has a trophy case to back it up: MVP, offensive player of the year, rookie of the year. You get the point.
Plus Ryan has been one of the best pure passers in the league since his rookie season, amassing more than 50,000 yards. While athleticism isn’t his calling card, the man can fling a pigskin. But once again, ESPN goes with excitement over facts.
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But lists and recognition but talking heads are irrelevant at the end of the day. What matters is winning and the Atlanta Falcons are poised to do just that.