The Atlanta Falcons have spent the first week of training camp evaluating players in shorts and helmets, but head coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear the real competition is only beginning…
While addressing the media after a practice from late last week, Stefanski revealed the following:
"There's gonna be a lot of earning roles over the next month."
It's a simple statement, but it's one that perfectly captures the culture Stefanski has been trying to establish since arriving in Atlanta. With the Falcons putting on pads, starting jobs and roster spots are far from settled, which is a message that should put everyone on notice as camp kicks into second gear.
The Atlanta Falcons roster bubble battles are starting to take shape
For a team trying to snap one of the NFL's longest playoff droughts, nothing is going to be handed out. Stefanski's comments come at an important point in training camp.
The Falcons have already seen several players strengthen their cases. Rookie receiver Zachariah Branch looks like a future stud. James Pearce Jr. has also received some positive reviews from the coaching staff as he catches up after missing time during the spring.
Then undrafted quarterback Jack Strand took advantage of additional reps while Tua Tagovailoa dealt with back stiffness and Michael Penix Jr. continues his recovery from ACL surgery. Even veterans aren't guaranteed anything, especially with Penix expected to compete for the starting quarterback job once fully cleared.
Meanwhile, Matthew Bergeron earned perhaps the biggest reward of anyone this week after signing a four year, $96 million extension, reinforcing GM Ian Cunningham's commitment to rewarding players who prove they belong. His extension came with a higher AAV than Bijan Robinson's.
Stefanski's latest remarks suggest those examples are exactly what he wants throughout the roster. Nobody's job is safe. If you want playing time, you'll have to earn it.
With nearly half the team either entering contract years or playing on one-year deals, every practice over the next month carries significant weight. Monday's first padded practice should only intensify those battles.
Edge rusher Bralen Trice, who has yet to play a regular season snap through two seasons of injury, is a full participant this year and has drawn attention for his size and ability to set the edge against the run.Â
Linebacker Troy Andersen still isn't cleared and remains a question mark after missing all of last season. All of that’s to show that Kevin Stefanski has his work cut out for him in setting the terms for how it gets built.Â
The coach made the expectation of competition and earning roles clear himself, and the roster battles already playing out across the quarterback room, the trenches, and the receiver group back it up. Now it's time for the players to put up or shut up.
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