It will take time before the Atlanta Falcons return to the playoffs.
It’s hard seeing them as one of the NFC’s top seven teams next season, especially after losing longtime quarterback Matt Ryan.
Their receiving corps is also suspect without suspended wideout Calvin Ridley.
Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Pitts will have their highlights, but it’s tough to see them competing even against division rivals New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Worst yet, one recent move they made will bring them further to obscurity, as NBC Sports’ Warren Sharp pointed out.
how bad teams stay bad 👀
entering the week, Atlanta was set to get free 4th & 5th round comp picks next year because of players lost via free agency
but then they signed a stopgap QB (Marcus Mariota) & a 1-yr LB rental (Lorenzo Carter)
so they lost both picks, per @nickkorte
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 22, 2022
Sharp said, “How bad teams stay bad. Entering the week, Atlanta was set to get free 4th & 5th round comp picks next year because of players lost via free agency. But then they signed a stopgap QB (Marcus Mariota) & a 1-yr LB rental (Lorenzo Carter). So they lost both picks, per @nickkorte.”
With no viable quarterbacks on their roster, the Falcons signed Mariota to a two-year deal.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to see the move being a long-term solution, given that the former Oregon standout has already failed as a starter with the Tennessee Titans before.
Losing two compensatory picks doesn’t help inspire confidence either.
What’s Atlanta’s Plan?
They got rid of Ryan because they didn’t want his high cap hit and to pay his $7.5 million roster bonus.
Then, they signed cornerback Casey Hayward and running back Damien Williams.
However, they still need a lot if they want to at least become competitive.
Carter’s signing does help their pass rush, but they need more to improve their talent in that aspect.
Likewise, they should look at bringing in a quarterback via the 2022 NFL Draft because their rotation of Mariota and Feleipe Franks won’t be enough.
The Falcons should be aware that they are on rebuild mode but they can’t accept that they’re undergoing that process.
Give Marcus Mariota a chance …he got a rough deal with he titans…he has great character and heart…if the falcons can protect him in the pocket he will do great …can’t wait to watch him play again. Go Ducks ..I mean Falcons. Lol
I think the Falcons can win 7 games as is, with Mariota. Post draft the Falcons got better with rushing the QB. They may have gotten better running the ball and I think Mariota’s mobility helps the passing game with both Pitts and Landon. So there’s a chance the ATL could swing 2more wins this year.