ATLANTA FALCONS
2021 Record - 7-10-0
Head Coach - Arthur Smith
New Additions - Marcus Mariota (QB), Damien Williams (RB), Damiere Byrd (WR), Lorenzo Carter (LB), Rashaan Evans (LB), Bryan Edwards (WR), Auden Tate (WR), Casey Hayward, Jr. (DB), Anthony Firkser (TE), Vincent Taylor (DL), Germain Ifedi (OL), Dean Marlowe (DB)
Offensive Rank in 2021 - 29th (304 YPG); Scoring - 26th (18.4 PPG)
Defensive Rank in 2021 - 26th (364 YPG); Scoring - 29th (27.0 PPG)
A new era for the Atlanta Falcons will begin this season as quarterback Marcus Mariota comes over from the Raiders replacing Matt Ryan, who is now with the Indianapolis Colts after fourteen seasons. Mariota played sparingly last season in Las Vegas and he will be backed up by rookie Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati). The running backs are Cordarrelle Patterson (618 rushing yards, 4.0 YPC average and six touchdowns along with 52 receptions for 548 yards and five TD) and Damien Williams, who was a backup in Chicago a year ago. Bryan Edwards, Auden Tate, Olamide Zaccheaus, Damiere Byrd and rookie Drake London (USC) are the primary wide receivers and the tight end is Kyle Pitts, who led the Falcons with 68 receptions for 1,026 yards (one score) as a rookie last year.
The defense will see several new faces on the team this season as linebackers Lorenzo Carter and Rashaan Evans come in along with defensive back Casey Hayward, Jr. to go with holdover A.J. Terrell (three interceptions in 2021) in the secondary. Grady Jarrett and Marlon Davidson are the defensive ends.
Outlook for 2022 season - After a mediocre season, Head Coach Arthur Smith and his team could be in for a long one in 2022 as the offense will be going through a big transition with Ryan gone at the quarterback spot. Mariota has been spotty at QB throughout his seven years in the NFL, but does provide mobility at the position. The rest of the offense is unknown as several new players are in tow for the upcoming season. The running game (85 YPG) was 31st overall in 2021, so Patterson and Williams will be relied upon to boost those numbers.
The defense was woeful last year, ranking near the bottom of the league in total defense and points allowed. The secondary had just twelve interceptions and the Falcons had a league low 18 quarterback sacks last year. If they want to improve, they must pressure opposing passers and make more opportunities with the turnovers. A third or fourth place finish in the NFC South is likely this season.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. New Orleans
Week Two - at L.A. Rams
Week Three - at Seattle
Week Four - vs. Cleveland
Week Five - at Tampa Bay
Week Six - vs. San Francisco
Week Seven - at Cincinnati
Week Eight - vs. Carolina
Week Nine - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Ten - at Carolina
Week Eleven - vs. Chicago
Week Twelve - at Washington
Week Thirteen - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Fourteen - BYE
Week Fifteen - at New Orleans
Week Sixteen - at Baltimore
Week Seventeen - vs. Arizona
Week Eighteen - vs. Tampa Bay
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