Three reasons why Falcons receiver’s claim isn’t crazy
By Joe Carlino
If one were to ask the question “Are the Atlanta Falcons a playoff team entering the 2022 season?”, almost immediately, that answer would be a big NO. Most likely, there would be other words before, but that’s a completely different discussion.
After everything that’s transpired this offseason, from trading Matt Ryan to accumulating the worst dead cap number in history, it’s more reasonable to say the Falcons are looking towards 2023 and forgetting this year altogether.
However, don’t tell that to head coach Arthur Smith, general manager Terry Fontenot, or, in a very surprising quote, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus. Not only are these three even considering 2022 to be a wash, but Zaccheaus also went one further on his belief.
The young Atlanta Falcons receiver believes this year’s team can “shock a lot of people”
In an interview with the renowned Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Zaccheaus was asked about the outlook for 2022. His reply was actually very interesting:
"“I feel like we’re a playoff team. We just (have) to put everything together. Really start fast at the beginning of the season and not get into a hole. I just feel like as a team, we can shock a lot of people.”"
So, while most wish to think Zaccheaus is crazy, here are three reasons why he might actually be onto something.