Atlanta Falcons Expect Avery Williams Back 'Full Tilt,' Eye Strong Return Game

Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot offered a positive injury update on Avery Williams while forecasting a positive step forward for Atlanta's return game.

Nov 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams (35) returns a punt. / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons' kick and punt return units were amongst the NFL's best in 2022 - but they took a considerable step backwards this past season.

Why?

The absence of returner Avery Williams, who suffered a torn ACL near the end of OTAs in early June, is perhaps the most central reason.

In 2022, Williams led the NFL in yards per punt return at 16.2, nearly three yards more than second place. In 2023, with Williams on the sideline, Atlanta's punt return core ranked third worst in the league, averaging just 7.2 yards per return.

Naturally, more factors played into it than just the loss of Williams - but he proved to be a difference maker for a Falcons squad that was forced to look toward a variety of sources for help.

Nov 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams (35) returns a punt. / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta started the year with cornerback Mike Hughes as its punt returner, but he gained just 67 yards on 11 tries, averaging a miniscule 6.1 yards per return.

Hughes was benched after Week 8, handing over the reigns to fellow cornerback Dee Alford, who produced marginally better results at 20 returns for 160 yards, an average of eight yards per return.

By season's end, Atlanta thrust Hughes above Alford in the rotation at nickel corner, citing Alford's value as a returner and the need to keep him fresh. As such, the Falcons' defense was directly affected by the void Williams created.

But Atlanta anticipates no such problems in 2024.

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, speaking March 26 at the annual league owners meetings, expressed confidence in Williams' recovery - and also believes offseason additions Ray-Ray McCloud and Rondale Moore can contribute if needed.

"Avery is going to be back full tilt this year after missing last year," Fontenot said. "Ray Ray, Rondale. So, I like our return game."

McCloud has been a primary punt returner for the past four seasons. He led the league in both returns (38) and yards (367) with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, but he's never averaged more than 10.8 yards per return, which he achieved in 2022 as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

This past season, McCloud returned 24 punts for 203 yards, an average of 8.5 yards per return - certainly serviceable, but a noticeable step down from Williams.

Moore hasn't held a prominent role as a professional punt returner but offers at least a sprinkle of experience. As a rookie in 2021, he returned 21 punts for 171 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per return.

He's returned only one punt since - an 11-yard gain in Week 8, 2023 - and will likely serve as Atlanta's slot receiver this fall. Still, he presents another capable option should the return game be decimated by injuries.

And yet, Fontenot's steadfast on bringing in competition, all with hopes of assuring last season's results aren't replicated.

"We're still going to continue to add," Fontenot said. "We're always going to put an emphasis on special teams, so you have the right core guys and you're confident in your return game."

But for now, the Falcons have a strong group - and while much of the off-season's focus will rightfully be placed on the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins and any draft upgrades along the defensive line, Williams' return could prove vital as Atlanta seeks to break its six-year playoff drought.