The Atlanta Falcons might be the most interesting team in the entire NFL. Let’s dive into three reasons why they can make the NFC championship game in 2023. The Falcons are in a very crucial year for their franchise. Arthur Smith is entering the third year as head coach, and he’s gone 7-10 in each of his first two seasons.
He’s a strong offensive mind but has dealt with him uncertainty at QB and some poor defenses. Now, in 2023, he’ll have the best roster he’s had during his tenure in Atlanta, and has a QB in Desmond Ridder who could breakout in year two.
Not only that, they are in the NFC South, which is by far the weakest division in the NFL at the moment. That doesn’t mean that a team or two from the division can’t shock the league, but right now, there isn’t a clear-cut top team here. The Falcons could have an avenue to easily win the division, which would earn them a top-four seed in the NFC and a home playoff game.
Can the Atlanta Falcons make the NFC Championship Game in 2023? Let’s dive into three reasons why they can.
3 reasons why the Falcons can make NFC Championship Game
The Falcons are strong in the trenches
Games in the NFL begin and end within the line of scrimmage. Having a strong offensive and defensive line is the most important thing for NFL teams, besides, obviously, having a strong quarterback. Fortunately for Atlanta, both of their lines are very good.
Their offensive line was ranked seventh in the NFL by PFF ahead of the 2023 NFL season. They have studs at left tackle and right guard in Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom. They also have very solid play from center and right tackle with Drew Dalman and Kaleb McGary. There really isn’t a glaring weakness along their OL.
The defensive line also got a huge boost this offseason. Their projected starting D-line includes Calais Campbell, David Onyemata, and Grady Jarrett. This is also a very strong unit. Campbell is surely not what he once was, but his veteran presence and experience should pay off.
Onyemata is a very underrated DL who recently had 5.0 sacks and 11 QB hits with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. Grady Jarrett, well, he’s one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL, so I don’t need to say a ton there.
Atlanta should be winning at the line of scrimmage most weeks, which bodes very well for their chances in 2023.