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5 moves the Atlanta Falcons can make to become Super Bowl contenders

By Michael Johnson

NFL Picks; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Picks; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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From worst to first is definitely a possibility in the NFC South for the Atlanta Falcons, with the right moves, can become Super Bowl contenders

So what does it take for the Atlanta Falcons to win the NFC South? For one, Tom Brady retiring. After back-to-back 7-10 seasons, the Falcons find themselves struggling. They brought in veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to hold down the fort while their 2022 third-round pick, Desmond Ridder, held the clipboard. Mariota lasted 13 games, finishing with 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a completion rate of just 61%.

Injuries didn’t help an offense that finished 24th in total offense and in the middle of the pack in scoring. Despite this, the Falcons competed for the NFC South title thanks to their running game, with Tyler Allgeier showing he’s ready to take the reins as the lead back after finishing the season with 1,035 yards.

Atlanta Falcons
Aug 1, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot shown being interviewed by the media during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons have the assets to be major players in 2023 offseason

Ridder was another bright spot in the two games he played. With Arthur Smith entering his third season as head coach, Ridder is an athletic quarterback with a big arm and leadership qualities that fans saw during his time as the Bearcats’ signal caller. There’s a lot of promise with the weapons at his disposal in Kyle Pitts and Drake London to throw to.

However, it’s not all about the quarterback. Defense matters and the Atlanta Falcons could use some help in that department. The unit gave up an average of 362 yards per game, but on the other hand, they allowed just 17.7 points per game over the last three games of the season. AJ Tyrell is a promising physical corner, but they need help on the other side. Grady Jarrett is still one of the most underrated defensive tackles in the NFL and leader of their defense, but he needs some help.

Fortunately, the Falcons have the second-most salary cap space in the NFL heading into the 2023 offseason, with $68.9 million. They might lose offensive tackle Kaleb McGary and linebacker Rashaan Evans, who are both notable free agents. Given Mariota’s performance, he and cornerback Casey Hayward are also potential cut candidates. With a performance that exceeded expectations, the Falcons can put themselves in a position to compete for a Super Bowl.

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