The Atlanta Falcons will undergo a period of transition.
Longtime quarterback and former league MVP Matt Ryan is now with the Indianapolis Colts.
Taking Ryan’s place is Marcus Mariota, who signed a two-year deal to become the team’s potential starter.
However, the team also drafted Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 draft.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Calvin Ridley will be suspended for the season due to gambling.
The Falcons addressed his absence by drafting Drake London and trading for Bryan Edwards.
Therefore, they were not quiet this offseason and did some modest moves to improve their chances.
However, it’s difficult to see them defeating the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.
Also in their list of opponents are defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Chargers.
With a tough schedule in front of them, it’s possible that their season is over before their Week 14 bye.
That’s why tanking is an option that has been linked with the franchise.
Even if the cards are stacked against them, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith does not agree with that approach.
Arthur Smith is not here for tanking. ⛔️🙅♂️ https://t.co/bpU2FxEBZI pic.twitter.com/GxzS6L2W7x
— theScore (@theScore) May 18, 2022
Smith said, “It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard – that a team would try to not win football games.”
Falcons Need A Reboot
Unfortunately, they don’t have many options in reviving their chances.
They can trade the likes of Cordarrelle Patterson, A.J. Terrell, or Kyle Pitts to get an early pick, but it’s counterproductive to what they are building.
Likewise, they haven’t had a winning season since 2017, the last time they’ve reached the playoffs.
Smith started his tenure with a 7-10 record.
As much as they want to compete in every game, that mentality might bring them nowhere.
NEXT: Falcons Spending A Shocking Amount On Departed Players
