NFL Insider Highlights A Huge Offseason For The Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons won just seven games last season and missed the playoffs, and they haven’t qualified for the postseason since the 2017 campaign.
Therefore, aggressive changes have been needed for the organization in order to get back on track.
Atlanta has certainly made many changes to its roster so far this offseason, and NFL insider Ari Meirov listed all of those changes.
#Falcons offseason so far:
– Signed S Jessie Bates
– Signed DL Calais Campbell
– Signed DT David Onyemata
– Re-signed RT Kaleb McGary
– Traded for CB Jeff Okudah
– Traded for TE Jonnu Smith
– Signed LB Kaden Ellis
– Signed QB Taylor Heinicke
– Signed WR Scotty Miller
– Signed CB…— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 11, 2023
The Falcons’ running attack on offense was solid in 2022 behind Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson, but their defense struggled, as they ranked 23rd in points allowed and 27th in total yards given up.
To plug that hole, they brought in veteran defensive end Calais Campbell, who has 15 years of experience with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens.
He has six Pro Bowl appearances to his name, and although he may have declined a bit, he still put up 5.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss in 2022.
Campbell has also been to the playoffs seven times, which will come in handy for Atlanta.
Safety Jessie Bates III, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, will give the team a versatile option in the secondary.
He had eight passes defended and four interceptions last season, and he was named to the All-Pro second-team in 2020, and at age 26, he may still have a bit of room for improvement.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle David Onyemata, who played seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints, could help shore up the Falcons’ run defense while also supplying a bit of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Other than the Saints, the NFC South is looking rather weak, so the window may be open for the Falcons to sneak into the playoffs next season.