Falcons 'Most Complete NFC South Roster'; Playoff Team?
It's been a long five years for the Atlanta Falcons.
After posting back-to-back double-digit win campaigns from 2016 and 2017, Atlanta has failed to reach the playoffs in each of the last five years while recording a 32-50 record over that stretch.
However, could an offseason that saw the Falcons overhaul its defense and draft running back Bijan Robinson in the first-round be enough to snap their drought?
"The Falcons may have the most complete roster in the NFC South -- even with Desmond Ridder at QB," ESPN writes. "I know he's not proven yet, but I trust Arthur Smith to put him in good spots to succeed. He has the weapons surrounding him and the type of scheme that will make it as easy as possible for him to manage the offense. The defense drastically improved its talent, depth and credibility by bringing in Calais Campbell, David Onyemata, Jessie Bates III, Jeff Okudah, and Mike Hughes."
Ridder, 23, is tasked with stepping in as Atlanta's starting quarterback after four appearances in his rookie. But luckily the second-year signal quarterback doesn't have lofty expectations after the Falcons ranked second-worst in passing attempts and yards last season.
Following a 7-10 campaign, finishing just one game back from last season's NFC South winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta could become the next team to turn quickly things around.
"We see -- almost every season in the NFL -- one team go from last to first place in a division," ESPN writes." And I think the Falcons are the most likely team to do that in 2023. I think Atlanta is an NFC Playoff team in 2023."
If Atlanta wins the division title, it would be its first since 2016.
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