2019 Record - 7-9-0
Head Coach - Dan Quinn
New Players in 2020 - Todd Gurley (RB), Justin McCray (OL), Dante Fowler, Jr. (DL), Hayden Hurst (TE), Charles Harris (DL), LaRoy Reynolds (LB), Josh Hawkins (DB), Edmond Robinson (LB), Laquon Treadwell (WR), Khari Lee (TE)
Players opting for 2020 season (COVID-19) - None
OFFENSE - The Falcons have Matt Ryan back for his 13th season as the starting quarterback. Ryan had 4,466 passing yards and 26 touchdowns with 14 interceptions last year. Matt Schaub (580 yards, three TD, one INT) will be in reserve again. Todd Gurley comes over this season from the L.A. Rams where he played his first five seasons. Gurley rushed for 857 yards last year (3.8 ypc average) and scored twelve touchdowns and had 31 receptions for 207 yards and two scores. Ito Smith backs him up along with Brian Hill, who ran for 323 yards (4.1 ypc) and scored two touchdowns.
Julio Jones once again leads the wide receivers and he had 99 receptions for 1,394 yards and six touchdowns. Along with Jones are Calvin Ridley (63, 866, seven TD), Russell Gage (49, 446, one TD) and Laquon Treadwell (nine receptions, 184, one TD with Minnesota). The tight ends are Hayden Hurst (30, 349, two TD with Baltimore) and Jaeden Graham, who had nine catches and one touchdown last year.
DEFENSE - Dante Fowler, Jr. (11 1/2 QB sacks with L.A. Rams) is at defensive end along with Takkarist McKinley (3 1/2 sacks) this season. The tackles are Marlon Davidson (rookie from Auburn) and Grady Jarrett, who registered 7 1/2 sacks. Playing linebacker are Deion Jones, Foye Oluokun and Mykai Walker, a rookie from Fresno State. LaRoy Reynolds and Edmond Robinson come over in free agency this season for the Falcons.
Isaiah Oliver and rookie A.J. Terrell (Clemson) will play cornerback and Damontae Kazee (three interceptions) and Keanu Neal are the safeties. Other in the secondary include Ricardo Allen, Jaylinn Hawkins (rookie - California), Kendall Sheffield and Blidi Wreh-Wilson.
The Falcons defense lagged against the pass a year ago, allowing 245 yards per game (22nd) while giving up 24.9 points per game. The run defense finished 15th in the league, allowing 111 yards per game. Atlanta was 20th in total defense, allowing 356 yards a game while intercepting twelve passes and 28 quarterback sacks.
OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Matt Ryan put up some decent numbers once again last season, but the run game was down as injuries limited Devonta Freeman, who is no longer with the team. Entering the picture this season is Todd Gurley, who has had some big seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, but has been limited the past two years with various injuries. The Falcons are hoping he can recapture some of the magic that made him an elite running back during his first three seasons.
The offense will be much better if it has balance and last season Atlanta finished fifth overall (380 YPG) thanks in large part to the passing game, which averaged 295 YPG, which was third in the NFL. The running game averaged only 85 yards per game (30th) so opponents were able to limit the Falcons, who only scored 22.8 points per game despite the strong air attack.
Head Coach Dan Quinn has been on the proverbial hot seat the last three seasons and knows this team can do better. Back-to-back 7-9 finishes are not getting it done and the defense needs to step up and make plays in crucial moments this season if the team wants to get back to the playoffs. Atlanta lost four one-score games a year ago.
Getting a better pass rush would help as would getting more turnovers (minus-5 in that area in 2019) this season. The offensive line needs to step up this year as well. The Falcons were not a good rushing team last year and they gave up 50 quarterback sacks that too often squashed drives.
The schedule is tough and having both (quarterbacks) Drew Brees (Saints) and now Tom Brady (Buccaneers) in their division doesn't make things easier.
The Falcons can be a playoff team again, but only if they improve against the pass on defense and maintain balance on offense. Anything is possible it seems in today's NFL, so the Falcons have reason for hope.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Seattle
Week Two - at Dallas
Week Three - vs. Chicago
Week Four - at Green Bay
Week Five - vs. Carolina
Week Six - at Minnesota
Week Seven - vs. Detroit
Week Eight - at Carolina
Week Nine - vs. Denver
Week Ten - BYE
Week Eleven - at New Orleans
Week Twelve - vs. Las Vegas
Week Thirteen - vs. New Orleans
Week Fourteen - at L.A. Chargers
Week Fifteen - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Sixteen - at Kansas City
Week Seventeen - at Tampa Bay
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