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Atlanta Falcons: Why they may be contenders this season

By Nick Halden

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - JULY 30: Matt Ryan #2 and A.J. McCarron #5 of the Atlanta Falcons talk during training camp at IBM Performance Field on July 30, 2021 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - JULY 30: Matt Ryan #2 and A.J. McCarron #5 of the Atlanta Falcons talk during training camp at IBM Performance Field on July 30, 2021 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Falcons appear to be in the middle of a rebuild heading into the season. However, with a weak schedule and plenty of question marks in the division could Atlanta become a surprise contender?

The Atlanta Falcons’ lack of defensive talent and their inconsistent offensive performance over the last two seasons would leave many wondering how this team could possibly be a contender? The answer lies in their schedule and in how Matt Ryan performs this season.

If the Atlanta Falcons are to be contenders Ryan is going to have to perform at an MVP level this season and win high-scoring games in clutch time.

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Atlanta Falcons don’t have to win the division to contend for the NFC crown

The Tampa Bay Bucs are going to win this division barring an injury to Tom Brady. Otherwise, they are far too talented and deep not to win the division.

This leaves the Falcons, Panthers, and Saints all vying for a wild card spot. The Saints still don’t know who their quarterback is and are facing far too much overturn to be a contending team this season.

Leaving the Panthers and Falcons. Both teams have rosters with solid pieces and will go only as far as their quarterbacks take them; Ryan is far better than Sam Darnold.

Darnold will be facing a lot more pressure this season attempting to prove he is a franchise quarterback. Ryan is facing very little pressure as an established veteran who is on a team not expected to contend.

The biggest reason I believe this team could be relevant much later in the season than they were last year is the scheduling. The amount of bad teams Atlanta will face is surprising they have the Jets, Eagles, Giants, Jaguars, Lions, and Cowboys scheduled.

All teams who are coming off of very rough seasons of their own and outside of the Cowboys all lack the offensive talent Atlanta boasts.

This season has a chance to be different for Atlanta is the new coaching staff proves to be a wise hire they have a chance to surprise a lot of people and push themselves back into relevance. Relevance they have lacked for far too long.

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