Three takeaways from the Atlanta Falcons final roster

The Atlanta Falcons do place value on having a strong special teams unit

In the NFL there are teams out there who do not value special teams as much as other teams, and it seems like the Atlanta Falcons are a team that does place a special (pun intended) emphasis on special teams.

On a semi-unrelated note, it feels like some teams view special teams as being a unit that can lose you a game but cannot win you a game so they bring in a unit that is good enough, but not, umm, special. Special teams can win you games even without scoring touchdowns, as they can give you significantly better field position.

But anyways, back to the main topic. It all started during free agency when they signed Younghoe Koo to a big contract. It was a smart move as it is vital to have a reliable kicker, and Koo is one of the best in the game.

Sure, they moved on from their Pro Bowl long snapper, but let’s be honest, the difference between an average long snapper and an elite long snapper is the slimmest margin of any position.

Now we look at the roster that was announced on Tuesday. They decided to keep around Avery Williams and Quinton Bell.

Quinton Bell, if you weren’t paying attention, blocked a punt attempt in the final preseason game that might have saved his roster spot. If he did it once, then he can do it again. Doing that in a regular season game could essentially win the game for your team. They also like his defense, but it feels like they chose him for his promise on special teams.

Also, imagine if he blocks a Saints punt in the home opener, that would be amazing.

As for Avery Williams, they kept him around despite his switch to a crowded position just a few months ago. There is likely no way he makes the roster if he wasn’t an exceptional special teams player. They basically cut two running backs — Qadree Ollison and Caleb Huntley — who were extremely impressive in the preseason, in favor of Williams who had 13 total snaps on offense during the preseason.