ATLANTA FALCONS
2023 Record - 7-10
Head Coach - Raheem Morris
Key Additions - Kirk Cousins (QB), Michael Penix (QB), Ray-Ray McCloud (WR/KR), Darnell Mooney (WR), Antonmio Hamilton (DB), Kevin King (DB)
Key Losses - Cordarrelle Patterson (RB/KR), Desmond Ridder (QB) Calais Campbell (DL), Bud Dupree (LB), Van Jefferson (WR), Jeff Odukah (DB), Jonnu Smith (TE), Scott Miller (WR)
2023 STATS LINE
PASSING - Desmond Ridder (2,836 yards, 12 TD, 12 INT)
RUSHING - Bijan Robinson (976 yards, 4.6 ypc, 4 TD)
RECEIVING - Drake London (69 receptions, 905 yards, 2 TD)
SACKS - Calais Campbell (6 1/2), Bud Dupree (6 1/2), Arnold Ebiketie (6)
INTERCEPTIONS - Jesse Bates III (6)
OUTLOOK FOR 2024 -The Falcons will have a new Head Coach as Raheem Morris takes over and the new quarterback will be veteran Kirk Cousins, who is coming off Achilles tendon surgery. Cousins comes over from the Minnesota Vikings and has consistently put up big numbers each season. His experience in the playoffs hasn't been as good, so it remains to be seen how things will shake out with his new team. Rookie QB Michael Penix (Washington) is also on board this season.
The Falcons were in the middle of the pack last year on offense, averaging 334 YPG and averaged 18.7 points per game. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are a solid tandem as Atlanta was ninth best in the NFL running the football. Wideouts Drake London and Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts will provide Cousins with the targets in the passing game.
The Falcons defense was decent a year ago, ranking 11th overall (321 YPG allowed) and giving up 21.9 points per game while getting 42 sacks and eight picks. There is some turnover on personnel with defensive front men Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree leaving and corners Kevin King and Antonio Hamilton coming on board. The defense needs to generate more turnovers as the Falcons were a minus-12 in that area a year ago.
This team could compete in the NFC South division as the Saints and Panthers look to improve while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be the team to beat again this season. Six one-score losses made the difference as Atlanta finished two games behind the Bucs for the division crown a year ago. If the Falcons want to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Cousins and company will have to step it up on offense. The playoffs are a possibility, but it will likely be how this team does in divisional play that will determine the outcome.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Two - at Philadelphia
Week Three - vs. Kansas City
Week Four - vs. New Orleans
Week Five - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Six - at Carolina
Week Seven - vs. Seattle
Week Eight - at Tampa Bay
Week Nine - vs. Dallas
Week Ten - at New Orleans
Week Eleven - at Denver
Week Twelve - BYE
Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Fourteen - at Minnesota
Week Fifteen - at Las Vegas
Week Sixteen - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Seventeen - at Washington
Week Eighteen - vs. Carolina
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