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If you have heard that the Atlanta Falcons are one of the NFL's most-talented young teams, it's not hyperbole or homerism talking.
Atlanta has All-Stars and potential Pro Bowl players at all of the modern game's most-important positions, albeit with a glaring hole at quarterback. Just about everywhere else on the field these Falcons are stacked and their key players are either in their prime or haven't reached it yet - safety Jessie Bates being the lone exception - and a good one at that.
The latest accolades come courtesy of ESPN, where Bill Barnwell has shared his annual ranking of the league's offensive skill groups. Atlanta came in at No. 4 on his list, up from No. 9 last year.
The blurb for the Falcons include some impressive stats for running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, who finished last season ranked ninth in yards per route run, while Robinson posted a 12.6% explosive play rate. It ends with this note from Barnwell: "The Falcons will go as far as their top playmakers can carry them here."
This is true, and also a reminder of what this team is missing. It must be getting frustrating for Falcons fans to see so much firepower at the skill positions go to waste because they aren't getting positive QB play.
Atlanta doesn't even need a superstar at the position - they just need an above-average starter who can move the sticks and isn't going to consistently hurt them in the turnovers department. That may be the only thing separating this team from being a fringe contender in the NFC South to a very dangerous dark-horse heavyweight in the NFC. They are much closer than most people think.
Michael Penix or Tua Tagovailoa may yet prove to be that guy - but it would be a mistake not to look for upgrades at every turn - beginning with the NFL trade deadline, continuing in free agency and especially in the 2027 draft class.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN ranks Atlanta Falcons skill players among top five in NFL
Continue reading...
Atlanta has All-Stars and potential Pro Bowl players at all of the modern game's most-important positions, albeit with a glaring hole at quarterback. Just about everywhere else on the field these Falcons are stacked and their key players are either in their prime or haven't reached it yet - safety Jessie Bates being the lone exception - and a good one at that.
The latest accolades come courtesy of ESPN, where Bill Barnwell has shared his annual ranking of the league's offensive skill groups. Atlanta came in at No. 4 on his list, up from No. 9 last year.
The blurb for the Falcons include some impressive stats for running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, who finished last season ranked ninth in yards per route run, while Robinson posted a 12.6% explosive play rate. It ends with this note from Barnwell: "The Falcons will go as far as their top playmakers can carry them here."
This is true, and also a reminder of what this team is missing. It must be getting frustrating for Falcons fans to see so much firepower at the skill positions go to waste because they aren't getting positive QB play.
Atlanta doesn't even need a superstar at the position - they just need an above-average starter who can move the sticks and isn't going to consistently hurt them in the turnovers department. That may be the only thing separating this team from being a fringe contender in the NFC South to a very dangerous dark-horse heavyweight in the NFC. They are much closer than most people think.
Michael Penix or Tua Tagovailoa may yet prove to be that guy - but it would be a mistake not to look for upgrades at every turn - beginning with the NFL trade deadline, continuing in free agency and especially in the 2027 draft class.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN ranks Atlanta Falcons skill players among top five in NFL
Continue reading...
