Bill Belichick might just be the secret sauce the Atlanta Falcons are craving. Picture this: it's 2023, and the Falcons are flapping around like a bird with one wing, thanks to Arthur Smith's good intentions but not-so-stellar results. They've got the talent—hello, Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts—but it's like having a Ferrari without the keys. Enter Belichick, the NFL's equivalent of a master key maker. With him calling the shots, those raw talents could finally get cooking. Imagine the Falcons not just soaring, but doing loop-de-loops in the NFL skies. Belichick could be the plot twist Atlanta didn't know it needed. He will without a doubt get the defense right, but there are three other reasons that make this a match made in heaven.
3. The NFC South is ripe for the taking
There was a time when the AFC East was weak, and Bill Belichick dominated. Well, the NFC South is kind of the same way. Right now, the Buccaneers call themselves king of the South, winning the division in back-to-back years. Not only that, but Todd Bowles has seemed to rejuvenate Baker Mayfield's career. However, the Bucs aren't a young team by any means, nor are they flawless.
The Saints appeared to be on the rise, but they fired long-time offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, so who knows what's going to happen with them. As for the Carolina Panthers, they need to get their franchise back on track before they destroy Bryce Young's career before it truly begins.
Bill Belichick will come into a division facing coaches he knows well. He's familiar with Todd Bowles, who was the interim for the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. Of course, he and Dennis Allen have been in the league about as long as any coaches. For the most part, the Falcons were just a few games away from taking the division from the Bucs. Unfortunately, Arthur Smith got outcoached, and his quarterback simply wasn't good enough.
However, Belichick has the cachet, the history, and the rings that will ignite the fire under the roster. In the NFC South with the Falcons team that went 7-10, Belichick would get them the two or three additional victories needed to take the division.
2. Belichick needs a competent GM
The Falcons had problems, but the roster wasn't one of them. They were in the thick of things, if they had better play from the quarterback position, perhaps Arthur Smith might have his job. Terry Fontenot took over a team post-Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, and he's done a fantastic job. When Belichick had Scott Pioli back in New England he was at his best. Teaming with a young GM , like Fontenot could revitalize a career NFL media has started to question.
Bill Belichick can bring in the right coaches to get the best out of Drake London and Kyle Pitts. We know he'll bring in the right offensive coordinator to help mold a potential young quarterback the Falcons are likely to pick in the 2024 Draft. Better yet, they could trade for someone like Justin Fields.
Imagine an offensive mind like Josh McDaniels coming to the Falcons. He'd maximize Kyle Pitts' ability the same way he did with Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. We all saw what he was capable of when he helped Mac Jones flourish as a rookie. A player like Jayden Daniels, under the tutelage of Bill Belichick, with Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith, and Drake London could be a dangerous offense in their first year under the greatest coach of all time.
1. A second chance to mold a young quarterback
I know, Mac Jones, but that's in the past. In Atlanta Belichick won't be picking the groceries. With the 8th overall pick, the Falcons are in a sweet spot. If Jayden Daniels slips through, oh boy, Atlanta could snag a gem. Daniels' dynamic play style could bring a new dimension to the Falcons' offense, and give Belichick a modern-day signal caller.
Terry Fontenot, not one to shy away from bold moves, tried his hand with Desmond Ridder. Ridder's got the speed but seems a tad hesitant to bolt. Daniels, on the other hand, screams Fontenot's type. But wait, there's Michael Penix Jr. too – more of a Belichick-style QB. Penix isn't the scrambling kind, but he's got NFL-ready skills that could resonate with Belichick's tactical approach.
Or imagine this – the Falcons waiting till round two and picking up Bo Nix. Talk about experience. A five-year starter with athleticism and a knack for timing offenses, Nix could thrive in a system Belichick has historically favored. And don't overlook Joe Milton III, a potential riser in the draft stakes. Of course, there's always the possibility of trading for Justin Fields, which would make this team insanely dangerous.
Whichever route they take, the chosen QB will inherit a treasure trove of weapons – think Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith, and Drake London. This would be a golden ticket to mentor a QB surrounded by talent. The Falcons could be on the cusp of something special, and Belichick might just be the maestro they need.