Falcons’ 2022 roster vs 2021, which offense holds the advantage?

Aug 22, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) rolls out to pass during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) rolls out to pass during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons
Dec 26, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (17) runs after a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons 2021 wide receivers:

  • Calvin Ridley
  • Russell Gage
  • Olamide Zaccheaus
  • Tajae Sharpe
  • Christian Blake
  • Frank Darby

Atlanta Falcons 2022 wide receivers:

  • Drake London
  • Bryan Edwards
  • Olamide Zaccheaus
  • KhaDarel Hodge
  • Damiere Byrd
  • Jared Bernhardt

This is a difficult position to compare for the Atlanta Falcons. There are just so many arguments and counter-arguments you can make for each group.

Calvin Ridley wasn’t great when he played last year but we know what he can be and that is a superstar, but can we say that we wouldn’t rather have Drake London at this point? Certainly, you cannot blame either decision.

Then you have Russell Gage and Bryan Edwards, personally, I’ll take Bryan Edwards because he can be a better number two receiver than Gage ever was. No disrespect to Russell because he is an excellent player, but he fits the role of a third receiver, while Edwards can be a consistent threat outside. It just felt like Gage shouldn’t have been expected to be anything more than one of the best third-string receivers in the league.

The depth isn’t anything special for either side. Tajae Sharpe was not anything special while Christian Blake continued his trend of getting playing time but doing nothing with it, so give me Hodge and Byrd.

With the top guys on each side being a difficult comparison, it is the depth that sways in favor of 2022.

Advantage: 2022 wide receivers