Offseason additions make Atlanta Falcons potential turnaround team in 2024

Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News asked a question that every team near the bottom of the barrel in 2024 has asked themselves during this year’s offseason: Could we be the next Houston Texans? Last year, the Texans managed to break out of a hiring and firing impasse of two consecutive coaches and a 3-13-1 record to become a team that is going all-in on becoming a contender in the Super Bowl after an excellent 10-7 record and a playoff victory against the Cleveland Browns in 2023. In his research, Iyer recognized the Atlanta Falcons as a team capable of breaking out of the consecutive rut of 7-10 that they experienced. found themselves under the guidance of Arthur Smith due to a slew of off-season additions.

The Falcons are stuck at 7-10 for three straight seasons. This was the main reason they had to let Arthur Smith go as head coach. His replacement, defensive-minded Raheem Morris, brings plenty of buzz from the Rams, along with rising offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.

Kirk Cousins ​​​​is on track to return from his torn Achilles, pick up where he left off with the Vikings and keep rookie Michael Penix Jr. on the bench. He can maximize the first-round offensive skill trio of Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson behind a strong line. The Falcons also added one-time weapons Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore.

Morris’ influence will be key on the defense as he changes mindsets when it comes to passing and coverage. He didn’t fare well this first time as head coach of the Buccaneers in the NFC South, but this time he’s ready to start with a division title at 10-7 or better.

While players played hard for Smith, the use of Pitts, London and Robinson, or lack thereof, could not be ignored. Watching the ball go through the hands of Jonnu Smith and Mack Hollins while deploying London, Robinson and Pitts as decoys was a frustrating watch for fans and fantasy owners. In Smith’s defense, the quarterback play during his tenure, besides his first year with Matt Ryan, was mediocre at best. However, he did not implement it in time to save his job.

Quarterback will no longer be an issue as Fontenot has brought in not one, but two top signal callers to lead this team for the foreseeable future in Cousins ​​and Penix. With Morris and Robinson in the building now and with the help of defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, Atlanta should be well on its way to its first ten-win season since the magical Super Bowl run in 2016.