Falcon Report

Falcons' Arthur Smith to Rookies: 'Use That Veteran Wisdom!'

Arthur Smith is enlisting the help of veterans to build the culture for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jeremy Brener

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The Atlanta Falcons are turning into a veteran-led team.

Atlanta was one of the youngest teams going into the 2022 season, ranking 27th in the league with a 26.3 average age. But after the additions of players like David Onyemata, Calais Campbell and Jessie Bates III, that number will increase in 2023.

The veterans on the roster not only improve the team on the field, but their knowledge can be beneficial for the talented youngsters off of it.

"I told some of those young guys that it’s not just on the field, off the field, how they handle stuff, we’ve got great veterans in there," coach Arthur Smith said. "Like go ask them what they’re routines are, their habits, how they take care of themselves, sleep, all that stuff. Use that wisdom that’s in the locker room. Hopefully, they take advantage of it [and] don’t waste it.”

The Falcons hope to take the next step towards contention and qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Making the playoffs would snap one of the longest current postseason droughts in the NFL. The veterans on the roster are going to play a massive part in whether that happens or not.

Beyond this season, these veterans can help instill the qualities necessary in order to have long, successful NFL careers ... and that's a pillar of the foundation the Falcons are trying to build to have a long-term contender.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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