The Atlanta Falcons are in need of a revival within the organization, fanbase, and the city. Falcons fans had to endure questionable decision-making from Mike Smith and Dan Quinn. The new regime in Atlanta has a chance to break the stigma of the past and rebuild into future success. The win-now philosophy of Smith and Fontenot proves crucial for the 2022 season.
Atlanta Falcons Win Now Philosophy
The word “rebuild” is not in the vocabulary of Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot. In 2021, the Falcons wanted to build off their most important asset. That asset so happens to be their offense which was led by Matt Ryan and company. The new regime drafted Kyle Pitts with the hopes of combining Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley to form a passing attack that would wreak havoc. Soon after, The Tennessee Titans acquired Julio Jones in a trade with the Falcons who received a second-round pick. Owner Arthur Blank hired Smith and Fontenot with hopes to win now and capitalize on an aging Matt Ryan. The Falcons philosophy for winning involves getting draft capital and getting younger.
The 2021 Falcons overachieved with a record of 7-10 with talent that the organization can build around for the future. Cordarrelle Patterson had a breakout season as a running back and receiver on the offensive side of the ball. Patterson improved the offense and brought energy to the city of Atlanta. On the defensive side, A.J. Terrell had a terrific season at cornerback becoming a shut-down corner.
A.J. Terrell is your spike hitter
#DirtyBirds x #UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/9z5bnhiEVd
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 28, 2022
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Falcons Plans for 2022 Season
Arthur Smith stated in an interview that tanking is “the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard”. Smith’s comments regarding tanking bring an interesting topic for the Falcons. The 2022 draft focused on improving the gaps at pass rusher and wide receiver. Drake London fits the philosophy of Arthur Smith’s offense as his 6’4 frame allows him to have a chance in any jump ball along the sideline. The signings of Auden Tate and Geronimo Allison show Smith wants to make Mariota comfortable throwing deep and often. Bryan Edwards and Damiere Byrd will also bring speed and agility in the slot and outside the numbers.
Arnold Ebiketie gives the Falcons more depth at pass rusher alongside the acquisition of Lorenzo Carter. The signing of Casey Hayward brings stability to the Falcons secondary. In the trenches, Falcons gave Grady Jarrett a deserving contract extension. Ever since being drafted, Jarrett has proved to be a bright spot for the Falcons every year. Falcons hope to see improvement from players such as Marlon Davidson and Richie Grant. Davidson showed spurts which included a pick-6 touchdown on Tom Brady last year. Richie Grant performed well on special teams with limited production on defense. Unlike previous years, the Falcons defense has enough talent to win. The players will look to buy into Dean Pees’ system and create more turnovers.
The Falcons enter the 2022 season with the anticipation to succeed. Smith and Fontenot have the win-now philosophy while being wary of the future. The roster has talent on both sides of the ball with the potential to be even better. The mantra in Atlanta is to win and improve every game.
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