NFL: One bold prediction for every team in 2021-22
![Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) rushes back to the locker room after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns Extras 10](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F954d021f769fef845fdf11f1b6e38fba1938440b3910b3d1749056b1111c073e.jpg "Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) rushes back to the locker room after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns Extras 10")
One bold prediction for the Atlanta Falcons in 2021-22: Offensive disaster
For the past ten years, only death and the Atlanta Falcons having a top ten offense were promised in this world.
From having Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez to more recently, having Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, the Falcons have always had dynamic pass catchers. And, not to be dismissed, when you have a former MVP in Matt Ryan throwing them the ball, it always makes things easier. This year, however, we’re expecting a big-time drop-off.
The franchise’s best receiver in Julio Jones is officially out the door as they shipped him off to Tennessee. Calvin Ridley does appear to be hitting his peak and Russell Gage is a good secondary option. Regardless of that, this team won’t look like the same offensive force as it has in the past. Kyle Pitts, the highly thought of first-rounder, won’t come into the league and dominate it, at least not yet. And the Falcons have absolutely no running game to speak of.
For the first time in a long time, the Atlanta Falcons are going to be a mess on offense. They’ll make their first trip in franchise history to the bottom of that stat category.