New England Patriots - 2021 NFL Season Preview

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS                                        

 

2020 Record - 7-9-0

 

Head Coach - Bill Belichick

 

Key Additions - Kyle Van Noy (LB), Nelson Agholor (WR), Kendrick Bourne (WR), Hunter Henry (TE), Henry Anderson (DL), Montravius Adams (DL), Trent Brown (OL), Ted Karras (OL), Davon Godchaux (DL), Matt Judon (LB), Jonnu Smith (TE), Raekwon McMillan (LB), Jalen Mills (DB)

OFFENSE - Cam Newton is back at quarterback this season along with top rookie draft choice Mac Jones (Alabama). Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham are also in camp. Newton passed for 2,657 yards along with eight touchdowns and ten interceptions last year. He also had 592 rushing yards and scored twelve touchdowns. 

Damien Harris and Sony Michel are the top running backs. Harris gained 691 yards (5.0 ypc average) and had two touchdowns while Michel averaged 5.7 yards per carry and had 449 yards and one score. James White is the third option and he caught 49 passes for 375 yards and a touchdown last season. 

The wide receivers include newcomer free agents Nelson Agholor (48 receptions for 896 yards and eight touchdowns with the Raiders) and Kendrick Bourne, who had 49 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns with the 49ers. Jakobi Meyers led the team with 59 catches for 729 yards and N'Keal Harry had 33 receptions for 309 yards and two scores. The tight ends are Hunter Henry (currently on the injury list) who had 60 receptions for 613 yards and four touchdowns with the Chargers and also Jonnu Smith (41, 448, eight TD with the Tennessee Titans).

DEFENSE - Lawrence Guy, Henry Anderson and Davon Godchaux will be up front while others include Byron Cowart, Tashawn Bower, Desatrich Wise, Jr. and rookies Christian Narmore (Alabama) and Ronnie Perkins (Oklahoma), who were both selected in the second round of the NFL draft. The linebackers are Dont'a Hightower (back this season after opting out last year due to COVID-19), Matt Judon, Ja'Whaun Bentley and Kyle Van Noy. Both Van Noy and Judon are free agent signees. Chase Winovich (team high 5 1/2 QB sacks), Raekwon McMillan, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings provide depth to the linebacking corps. 

The secondary features ball hawks J.C. Jackson (nine interceptions) and Stephon Gilmore at the corner spots. The safeties are Kyle Dugger and Devin McCourty. Jalen Mills, Myles Bryant and Jonathan Jones and Adrian Phillips, who each picked off two passes last season, are also in the mix. New England's pass defense was eighth in the NFL last year, allowing 222 yards per game while intercepting 18 passes and garnering 24 QB sacks. The Patriots allowed 22.1 points per game and the run defense gave up 132 YPG as the team finished 15th overall on defense, allowing an average of 354 yards each game.

2021 SEASON OUTLOOK - The Patriots missed the NFL Playoffs for the first time in twelve years and that doesn't sit well with Head Coach Bill Belichick, who was without longtime starting quarterback Tom Brady in the 2020 season.

In order to get back to the playoffs, the team signed no less than a dozen free agents and also drafted a quarterback and two defensive linemen to help bolster those areas. Quarterback play was very inconsistent a year ago and the defensive front was missing people due to injuries and opt outs which made the run defense suffer. New England's offense was 27th overall (327 yards per game) while only scoring an average of 20.4 points per game. The passing game was 30th in the league, getting just 181 YPG. The running game was decent, averaging 146 YPG, which was fourth best in the NFL a year ago. 

Belichick and his coaching staff are looking for big improvements with some of the players coming back from various injuries and personal decisions to sit out last year due to COVID-19 concerns. Longtime Pats wide receiver Julian Edelman retired along with secondary ace Patrick Chung, so getting new receivers and defensive personnel this year was a must. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower is a beast and his presence will help bolster the defense. 

If the new pieces mesh with the concept of the Patriots way of play and the returning veterans play to their capabilities, then a playoff appearance could be back in the picture. However, Cam Newton must play better all around this year or else the rookie QB (Mac Jones) will be in there. The Buffalo Bills are the top team in the AFC East now and Miami certainly is a playoff contender as well. So the Patriots will be hard pressed once again in divisional play. The likely finish this season will be 9-8 and that will likely leave the Patriots on the outside of the playoff party once again.

2021 SCHEDULE 

Week 1 - vs. Miami 

Week 2 - at N.Y. Jets 

Week 3 - vs. New Orleans 

Week 4 - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week 5 - at Houston 

Week 6 - vs. Dallas 

Week 7 - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week 8 - at L.A. Chargers 

Week 9 - at Carolina 

Week 10 - vs. Cleveland 

Week 11- at Atlanta 

Week 12 - vs. Tennessee 

Week 13 - at Buffalo 

Week 14 - BYE 

Week 15 - at Indianapolis 

Week 16 - vs. Buffalo 

Week 17 - vs. Jacksonville 

Week 18 - at Miami

Miami Dolphins - 2021 NFL Season Preview

MIAMI DOLPHINS                                                    

 

2020 Record - 10-6-0

 

Head Coach - Brian Flores

 

Key Additions - Malcolm Brown (RB), Jacoby Brissett (QB), D.J. Fluker (OL), Matt Skura (OL), Will Fuller (WR), Jason McCourty (DB), Bernardrick McKinney (LB) 

 

OFFENSE - Tua Tagovailoa looks to be the starting quarterback this season after taking over for part of the 2020 season and he passed for 1,814 yards with eleven touchdowns and five interceptions. Jacoby Brissett comes over from Indianapolis and will be the back up. Running backs include Myles Gaskin (584 yards with a 4.1 ypc average and three touchdowns along with 41 receptions for 388 yards and two scores) and Malcolm Brown, who ran for 419 yards (4.1 ypc) and five touchdowns with the Rams last year. 

DeVante Parker caught 63 passes for 793 yards with four touchdowns and leads the wide receiving corps. Will Fuller (53, 879, eight TD) comes over from the Houston Texans this season. Also in the mix is Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant (36, 373, one TD) and rookie Jaylen Waddle (Alabama). Mike Gesicki is the top tight end and he had 53 receptions for 703 yards with six touchdowns last year. Durham Smythe (26, 208, two TD), rookie Hunter Long (Boston College) and Adam Shaheen are the other options. 

DEFENSE - The Dolphins have Emmanuel Ogbah (nine QB sacks) and Jason Strowbridge or rookie Jaelen Phillips (Miami, FL) at defensive ends. The tackles are Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis, Zach Sieler and John Jenkins. The linebackers include Bernardrick McKinney, Jerome Baker (seven sacks and team high 112 tackles), Andrew Van Ginkel, Vince Biegel, Elandon Roberts and Sam Eguavoen. 

The secondary is headed up by All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard, who led the league with ten interceptions a year ago. Byron Jones, Nik Needham and Noah Igbinoghene are the other corners. The safeties include Brandon Jones and Eric Rowe along with Jason McCourty and rookie Jevon Holland (Oregon). Miami intercepted 18 passes last season and registered 41 sacks while ranking 20th overall on defense, allowing 368 yards per game and 21.1 points per game. The run defense allowed 116 YPG (16th) and the pass defense was 23rd in the NFL, giving up 252 yards per game.

2021 SEASON OUTLOOK - Miami just missed making the playoffs last season and would like to take next step and get back into the post-season for the first time in five years. Head Coach Brian Flores has made believers with the team in his first two seasons and the Dolphins now expect to win regularly. 

The key to success this season will be the offense taking another step up after averaging 25.3 points per game last year and finishing 22nd in the league in total offense (339 YPG with 106 rushing and 233 passing). Tagovailoa will have to make strides this season for the offense to continue the upward swing. He had his ups and downs in his rookie season and there is no "Fitz Magic" (QB Ryan Fitzpatrick went to the Washington Football team this year) this time around to help and/or bail out the young quarterback. 

The defense led the league in the takeaways category last season with 29 and finished third in the NFL with a plus-9 in that area. The Dolphins defense displayed the bend, but don't break type of play as they were stingy in the red zone and finished in the top five in scoring defense. If they continue to do that, they will be tough to beat. Another 10-win season seems reasonable and it could get the team into the playoffs this time around. 

Stay tuned.

2021 SCHEDULE 

Week 1 - at New England 

Week 2 - vs. Buffalo 

Week 3 - at Las Vegas 

Week 4 - vs. Indianapolis 

Week 5 - at Tampa Bay 

Week 6 - vs. Jacksonville (in London, England) 

Week 7 - vs. Atlanta 

Week 8 - at Buffalo 

Week 9 - vs. Houston 

Week 10 - vs. Baltimore 

Week 11 - at N.Y. Jets 

Week 12 - vs. Carolina 

Week 13 - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week 14 - BYE

Week 15 - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week 16 - at New Orleans 

Week 17 - at Tennessee 

Week 18 - vs. New England

Buffalo Bills - 2021 NFL Season Preview

BUFFALO BILLS                                                     

 

2020 Record - 13-3-0

 

Head Coach - Sean McDermott

 

Key Additions - Matt Breida (RB), Tyrell Adams (LB), Mitch Trubisky (QB), Emmanuel Sanders (WR), Jacob Hollister (TE), Bobby Hart (OL), Efe Obada (DL), Matt Haack (P)

OFFENSE - Quarterback Josh Allen is coming off a huge season in which he passed for 4,544 yards with 37 touchdowns and ten interceptions while also rushing for 421 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. Former Bears QB Mitch Turbisky is on board this season as the backup. 

Devin Singletary (687 rushing yards, 4.4 ypc average and two touchdowns) and Zack Moss (481, 4.3 ypc and four TD) are the primary running backs. Matt Breida comes over from Miami to add depth in the running game. The wide receivers are led by Stefon Diggs, who topped the Bills with 127 receptions for 1,535 yards and eight touchdowns. Cole Beasley (82, 967, four TD), Gabriel Davis (35, 599, seven TD) and Emmanuel Sanders (61, 726, five TD with New Orleans) are the other targets in the passing attack along with tight ends Dawson Knox (24, 288, three TD) and Jacob Hollister, who had 25 receptions for 209 yards and three scores with the Seahawks last year.

The Bills offense was 12th in the NFL last year, averaging 396 yards per game, including 289 YPG passing (3rd in NFL) and 107 yards per game rushing, which was 20th overall. The Bills scored an average of 31.3 points per game, which was second best in the league. 

DEFENSE - Up front are tackles Ed Oliver and Star Lotulelei along with ends Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison (five QB sacks). Vernon Butler, Harrison Phillips, A.J. Epenesa and rookies Greg Rousseau (Miami, FL) and Boogie Basham (Wake Forest) provide depth. The linebackers are Tremaine Edwards, Matt Milano, A.J. Klein (five sacks) and Tyrell Adams. 

The secondary features corners Tre'Davious White (three interceptions) and Levi Wallace and safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Corner men Taron Johnson, Siran Neal, Dane Jackson and Cam Lewis along with safeties Jaquan Johnson and Josh Thomas are also in the mix. 

2021 SEASON OUTLOOK - After a strong regular season and then a good playoff run that ended in the AFC Championship Game (loss to Kansas City), the Bills are rearing and ready to go in the 2021 season and Head Coach Sean McDermott knows full well this team could make it to the Super Bowl this time around. 

As long as QB Josh Allen continues to play as he did a year ago, the offense will definitely be among the best in  pro football. The passing game is extremely good and with Diggs and the others in tow, look for the Bills to air it out often this season. The running game could use a boost to help prevent opposing defenses from locking in on stopping the passing attack. 

Defensively, Buffalo was pretty much middle of the pack last season. The Bills ranked 14th overall on defense (353 YPG allowed) while giving up 23.4 points per game. The run defense allowed 120 yards per game (17th) and the pass defense was 13th overall, allowing 233 yards per game. Buffalo had 38 QB sacks and intercepted 15 passes last season. 

The AFC East title should not be a problem again this year, but if the Bills want to take the next step and get to the Super Bowl, they must continue with the high octane offense and get more consistency from the defense, especially against teams such as the Chiefs, Titans, Ravens and Browns. Look for a 13-4 record and likely another deep run in the AFC playoffs. Beyond that it is unknown unless the Bills get the necessary breaks to move on further to the Super Bowl.

2021 SCHEDULE 

Week 1 - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week 2 - at Miami 

Week 3 - vs. Washington 

Week 4 - vs. Houston 

Week 5 - at Kansas City 

Week 6 - at Tennessee 

Week 7 - BYE 

Week 8 - vs. Miami 

Week 9 - at Jacksonville 

Week 10 - at N.Y. Jets 

Week 11 - vs, Indianapolis

Week 12 - at New Orleans 

Week 13 - vs. New England 

Week 14 - at Tampa Bay 

Week 15 - vs. Carolina 

Week 16 - at New England 

Week 17 - vs. Atlanta 

Week 18 - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2021 NFL Season Preview

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS                                               

2020 Record - 11-5-0 

 

Head Coach - Bruce Arians 

 

Key Additions - Gio Bernard (RB), Joseph Jones (LB), Raven Greene (DB)

 

OFFENSE - Tom Brady continues on at age 44 and will be the starting quarterback again after passing for 4,633 yards, 40 touchdowns and twelve interceptions last year. Ronald Jones led the Buccaneers in rushing with 978 yards (5.1 ypc average) and seven touchdowns. Leonard Fournette (367 yards, 3.8 ypc and six TD) and Gio Bernard (416, 3.4 ypc, three TD and 47 receptions for 355 yards and three TD with Cincinnati) are the backup running backs to help form a solid looking tandem. 

The wide receivers include Mike Evans, who led the Bucs with 70 receptions for 1,006 yards and 13 touchdowns. Chris Godwin (65, 840, seven TD), Antonio Brown (45, 483, four TD) and Scotty Miller (33, 501, three TD) round out the squad. The tight ends are Rob Gronkowski (45, 623, seven TD), Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard, who is coming back from an Achilles injury. The Bucs averaged 384 yards per game a year ago, which ranked seventh in the NFL. They scored 30.8 points per game, which was third overall. The passing game averaged 289 YPG (2nd in NFL) and the running game was 28th overall, averaging 95 yards per game.

 

DEFENSE - The Tampa Bay defense has the trio of Ndamukong Suh, William Gholston and Vita Vea up front while Devin White (nine QB sacks) , Lavonte David, Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul (9 1/2 QB sacks) are the linebackers. Providing depth up front are Jeremiah Ledbetter, Steve McLendon and Rakeem Nunez-Roches. Kevin Minter, rookie Joe Tryon (Washington), Cam Gil, Joseph Jones and Anthony Nilson will spell the linebackers. 

The secondary has safeties Antoine Winfield, Jr. and Jordan Whitehead and cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and  Carlton Davis III, who led the team with four interceptions last season. Jamel Dean, Ross Cockrell, Mike Edwards and Raven Greene are the backups. Tampa Bay allowed 22.2 points per game in 2020 and was sixth in the NFL in total defense a year ago, allowing 327 yards per game, which included the top run defense in the league, giving up just 81 yards per game. The pass defense allowed 246 YPG (21st in NFL) while intercepting 15 passes. Tampa Bay had 48 quarterback sacks last year along with a plus-8 turnover ratio.

 

2021 SEASON OUTLOOK - It took some adjustments and getting used to each other, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won it all last season with Brady and Head Coach Bruce Arians being the central figures. 

For a repeat effort, everything will need to go just right and fall into place once again this season. Repeating as Super Bowl champions is NEVER easy and the Bucs are going to experience that this year. But Brady has been there and done that and in fact, he was the last quarterback to lead a team (the 2004 New England Patriots) to a second consecutive Super Bowl title. Can they do it? 

If the defense plays like it did down the stretch last season and during the playoff run and Super Bowl, then why not. Granted, the Buccaneers did beat up on some weaker teams in those last four games when it all came together and they combined to outscore the opposition by a 148-75 count and then scored 30-plus points throughout the post-season, including the 31-9 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. 

Expect a 13-4 finish this season and a long run in the playoffs as well. If all goes well for the ageless wonder known as Tom Brady, the Buccaneers just might repeat as Super Bowl champions.

 

2021 SCHEDULE 

Week 1 - vs. Dallas 

Week 2 - vs. Atlanta 

Week 3 - at L.A. Rams 

Week 4 - at New England 

Week 5 - vs. Miami 

Week 6 - at Philadelphia 

Week 7 - vs. Chicago 

Week 8 - at New Orleans 

Week 9 - BYE 

Week 10 - at Washington 

Week 11 - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week 12 - at Indianapolis 

Week 13 - at Atlanta

Week 14 - vs. Buffalo 

Week 15 - vs. New Orleans 

Week 16 - at Carolina 

Week 17 - at N.Y. Jets 

Week 18 - vs. Carolina

New Orleans Saints - 2021 NFL Season Preview

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                                      

 

2020 Record - 12-4-0

 

Head Coach - Sean Payton 

 

Key Additions - Nick Vannett (TE), Tanoh Kpassagnon (DL), Alex Armah (RB)

OFFENSE - With longtime starting quarterback Drew Brees now retired, the Saints will turn to either Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill to handle the offense in the 2021 season. Winston passed for 5,109 yards with 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions with Tampa Bay two years ago, but played very little last year. Hill passed for 928 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions, but also rushed for 457 yards (5.3 ypc average) and eight touchdowns. 

The running game has Alvin Kamara (932 yards, 5.0 ypc and 16 TD along with a team high 83 receptions for 756 yards and five TD) as the main man. Latavius Murray ran for 656 yards last season (4.5 ypc) and four touchdowns and is a great complement in the backfield. The wide receiving corps looks to Michael Thomas (40 receptions for 438 yards in limited action in 2020) to return to full health following off-season ankle surgery that will likely keep him out for the first few games this year. Tre'Quan Smith (34, 448, four TD), Deonte Harris, Marquez Callaway, Juwan Johnson and rookie Kawaan Baker (South Alabama) are the other options this year. The tight ends are Adam Trautman and Nick Vannett. 

DEFENSE - Cameron Jordan (7 1/2 QB sacks) teams with Marcus Davenport, Shy Tuttle and David Onyemata up front while Demario Davis (team leading 119 tackles in 2020 season), Zack Baun, Kwon Alexander,  Kaden Elliss and rookie Pete Werner (Ohio State) will play linebacker. Also in the mix in the front seven are Tanoh Kpassagnon, Malcolm Roach, Jalen Dalton and rookie Payton Turner, the team's top draft pick from Houston. 

The secondary will feature corners Marshon Lattimore, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, P.J. Williams, Keith Washington and rookie Paulson Adebo (Stanford). Malcolm Jenkins (three interceptions) and Marcus Williams are the safeties.  The Saints picked off 18 passes last year, which was 11th in the NFL and they also had 45 QB sacks while getting a plus-nine in the turnover category. The pass defense was fifth in the league, allowing 217 yards per game while the run defense ranked fourth, giving up 94 yards per game. Overall, the New Orleans defense allowed 311 YPG (4th in NFL) and gave up 21.1 points per game. 

2021 SEASON OUTLOOK - Saints Head Coach Sean Payton came along in The Big Easy at the same time that Brees did back in 2006 and now he will have a new starting QB for the first time as Winston and/or Hill will take the snaps. That will be the key to whatever success the Saints will have this season. Alvin Kamara is also a big cog in the offense as he does it all by running and catching the football while also scoring 21 touchdowns last season. Getting back a full wide receiving unit would be a big plus as well. Michael Thomas missed a ton of action last year and is on the shelf once again as the season opener looms in a few weeks.

The offense is solid and ranked fifth in the league in scoring last year with a 30.1 points per game average. The passing game averaged 235 YPG (19th) and the running game gained 141 yards per game, which was sixth overall. The Saints were 12th in total offense, averaging 376 yards per game. 

As long as the defense remains consistent, the Saints will be competitive once again. The team has seen seven defensive players leave since last season and DB Patrick Robinson just announced his retirement this week. The Saints are in a bit of transition on both sides of the ball, especially at quarterback, but it isn't too far fetched to say they will make the playoffs yet again this season. A 10-7 finish should be good enough to get a wild card spot, but then again, nothing is ever a guarantee in the NFL.

 

2021 SCHEDULE 

Week 1 - vs. Green Bay 

Week 2 - at Carolina 

Week 3 - at New England 

Week 4 - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week 5 - at Washington 

Week 6 - BYE 

Week 7 - at Seattle 

Week 8 - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week 9 - vs. Atlanta 

Week 10 - at Tennessee 

Week 11 - at Philadelphia 

Week 12 - vs. Buffalo 

Week 13 - vs. Dallas 

Week 14 - at N.Y. Jets 

Week 15 - at Tampa Bay 

Week 16 - vs. Miami 

Week 17 - vs. Carolina 

Week 18 - at Atlanta

Carolina Panthers - 2021 NFL Season Preview

CAROLINA PANTHERS                                                   

 

2020 Record - 5-11-0 

 

Head Coach - Matt Rhule 

 

Key Additions - Sam Darnold (QB), A.J. Bouye (DB), Dan Arnold (TE), David Moore (WR), Denzel Perryman (LB), Pat Elflein (OL), Cameron Erving (OL), Morgan Fox (DL), DaQuan Jones (DL), Haason Reddick (LB)

 

OFFENSE - Sam Darnold comes over from the New York Jets to be the starting quarterback. In the 2020 season, Darnold had 2,208 passing yards with nine touchdowns and eleven interceptions. P.J. Walker (368 passing yards with one TD and five INT) will be the backup quarterback.Will Grier and Tommy Stevens are also in training camp as reserve quarterbacks.

Christian McCaffrey (225 rushing yards with a 3.8 ypc average and five TD) will return as the primary running back after an injury plagued 2020 season. Rookie Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma State) will likely be the top reserve this season in the backfield. Reggie Bonnafon provides more depth. 

The wideouts include Robby Anderson, who had 95 receptions last year for 1,096 yards and three touchdowns. Also in the mix is speedster D.J. Moore (66, 1,193, four TD), David Moore (35, 417, six TD with Seattle) and rookies Shi Smith (South Carolina) and Terrace Marshall, Jr. (LSU) along with Keith Kirkwood. Ian Thomas, Dan Arnold (31, 438, four TD with Arizona) and rookie Tommy Tremble (Notre Dame) will be the tight ends.

DEFENSE - Defensive End Brian Burns (nine quarterback sacks) returns up front along with Yetur Gross-Matos, DaQuan Jones and Derick Brown. Shaq Thompson is back at linebacker along with newcomers Denzell Perryman and Haason Reddick, who had 12 1/2 sacks last season with Arizona. In reserve are Jermaine Carter, Jr. and Frankie Luvu. 

In the defensive backfield are A.J. Bouye, Donte Jackson (three interceptions) and rookie Jaycee Horn (South Carolina) at the corner spots along with safeties Juston Burris and Jeremy Chinn, who led the team with 117 tackles last season.

The Panthers defense finished 18th overall last year, allowing 360 yards per game while registering 29 QB sacks and getting only seven interceptions. The run defense allowed 121 YPG (20th) and the pass defense ranked 18th while giving up 239 yards per game. Carolina allowed 25.1 points per game last season.

2021 SEASON OUTLOOK - The Panthers are starting fresh on offense this year after former starting QB Teddy Bridgewater was traded to the Denver Broncos. Sam Darnold comes over from the New York Jets after three tumultuous seasons to take over the offense. 

Head Coach Matt Rhule is going into his second season with the team and wants the offense to click better than it did a year ago. Having all everything running back Christian McCaffrey healthy again should be a huge boost to the offense. The Panthers finished 21st on offense last year, gaining 350 yards per game. The passing game averaged 243 yards (18th in NFL) and the run game averaged 107 yards, which ranked 21st overall. The Panthers averaged 21.9 PPG last year. 

If Darnold is able to form a good chemistry with his wide receivers, the passing game should be adequate along with the running game, which was among one of the better ones in the NFL in 2019 when McCaffrey was having a monster season. On the other side of the football, the Panthers need to create more turnovers and get better pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Facing the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice in the final three weeks of the season will be a test for sure. The NFC South has been tough in recent years with New Orleans and now Tampa Bay as the top dogs. The Panthers must do well in divisional games if they hope to get back to the playoffs for the first time in four years. However, another five-win season looks to be in store this year which would mean a 5-12 finish as the team adjusts to new personnel on both offense and defense.

 

2021 SCHEDULE 

Week 1 - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week 2 - vs. New Orleans 

Week 3 - at Houston 

Week 4 - at Dallas 

Week 5 - vs. Philadelphia 

Week 6 - vs. Minnesota 

Week 7 - at N.Y. Giants 

Week 8 - at Atlanta 

Week 9 - vs. New England 

Week 10 - at Arizona 

Week 11 - vs. Washington 

Week 12 - at Miami 

Week 13 - BYE 

Week 14 - vs. Atlanta 

Week 15 - at Buffalo 

Week 16 - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week 17 - at New Orleans 

Week 18 - at Tampa Bay

Atlanta Falcons - 2021 NFL Season Preview

ATLANTA FALCONS                                                  

 

2020 Record - 4-12-0

 

Head Coach - Arthur Smith 

 

Key Additions - Mike Davis (RB), A.J. McCarron (QB), Josh Andrews (OL), Fabian Moreau (DB), Cordarrelle Patterson (RB), Lee Smith (TE), Brandon Copeland (LB), Erik Harris (DB), Duron Harris (DB), Barkevious Mingo (LB)

 

OFFENSE - Matt Ryan will be entering his 14th season as the Falcons starting quarterback. In 2020, Ryan passed for 4,581 yards with 26 touchdowns and eleven interceptions. A.J. McCarron will be the backup. The running backs will be Mike Davis (642 yards with a 3.9 ypc average and six TD with Carolina last season as well as 59 receptions and two touchdowns), Cordarrelle Patterson (232 yards with 3.6 ypc and two TD with Chicago), Qadree Ollison and rookie Javian Hawkins (Louisville).

The wide receiving corps will be without Julio Jones, who was dealt to the Tennessee Titans for future draft picks in the off-season. Calvin Ridley led the team with 90 receptions in 2020, good for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. He will team with Russell Gage (77,786, four TD) as the primary receivers. Juwan Green, Christian Blake and Olamide Zaccheaus will provide depth this season. The tight ends are Hayden Hurst (56, 571, six TD) and rookie Kyle Pitts, the team's top draft pick from Florida. 

DEFENSE - Tyeler Davison, Grady Jarrett (four QB sacks), Steven Means and Dante Fowler, Jr. comprise the defensive front line and John Cominsky, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, Marlon Davidson and Jonathan Bullard are also available up front this season. The linebackers are Brandon Copeland Foyesade Oluokun on the outside and Deion Jones (4 1/2 sacks) in the middle. 

In the secondary is A.J. Terrell and Isaiah Oliver at the corners and Duron Harmon (two interceptions) and either Erik Harris or rookie Richie Grant (UCF) at the safety spots. Kendall Sheffield, Fabian Moreau and Jaylinn Hawkins add depth to the crew.  

The Falcons were 29th overall on defense a year ago, giving up 398 yards per game. The pass defense was last in the NFL, allowing 294 yards per game. The run defense allowed 104 YPG, which was sixth in the league. The Falcons allowed 25.9 points per game and had twelve interceptions and 29 QB sacks.

2021 SEASON OUTLOOK - Atlanta has a new Head Coach with Arthur Smith coming on board this season and he would like to see the team get it turned around after a last place finish in the NFC South division. 

Quarterback Matt Ryan has been maligned the last couple of seasons and will have a different looking tandem this season at wide receiver with Jones now gone from the team. Ridley and Gage along with tight ends Hayden Hurst and highly touted rookie Kyle Pitts will be the primary targets for Ryan this season. Meanwhile, the running game will have a new look as Todd Gurley is gone (free agency) and newcomer Mike Davis (from Carolina Panthers) will likely get the bulk of the carries this season. Will the revamped offensive look pay dividends? It will depend on the line play to protect Ryan and open the holes for the backs. 

The Falcons were in the middle of the pack a year ago on offense, averaging 368 yards per game and scoring 24.8 points per game. The passing game ranked fifth best in the NFL, going for 273 YPG but the run game was not so effective, averaging only 95 YPG, which was 27th overall.

If the team can get the ground game going again and the pass defense improves, perhaps the Falcons can be better and get out of the basement in the division this year. A 6-11 record would be an improvement this season as the Falcons look to retool and get back to some level of respectability.

 

2021 SCHEDULE 

Week 1 - vs. Philadelphia 

Week 2 - at Tampa Bay 

Week 3 - at N.Y. Giants 

Week 4 - vs. Washington 

Week 5 - vs. N.Y. Jets (In London,  England)

Week 6 - BYE

Week 7 - at Miami 

Week 8 - vs. Carolina 

Week 9 - at New Orleans 

Week 10 - at Dallas 

Week 11 - vs. New England 

Week 12 - at Jacksonville 

Week 13 - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week 14 - at Carolina 

Week 15 - at San Francisco 

Week 16 - vs. Detroit 

Week 17 - at Buffalo 

Week 18 - vs. New Orleans