Article by Allison Smith
As I suspected……the practice squad roster is full of guys that I had on my 53-man roster. Hopefully they will stick around in Atlanta and make the 53-man during the season. Clearly, I do not want anyone hurt, but many of these guys really made some great plays in limited show time and I suspect they will see some time. I got 6 guys back in the black and red. And again, special teams is a place to make your name!
Another non-surprise was the trading of Taylor Heinicke. At least adding, then trading him got the Falcons something, a 6th round pick from the Chargers and saving $1.21 million…..with the current cap situation in Atlanta, every little bit helps.
Bolded are the guys that I had on my 53
- Wide receiver Chris Blair
- 8 receptions on 12 targets for 154 yards
- Cornerback Natrone Brooks
- 15 tackles and a forced fumble
- Wide receiver Dylan Drummond
- 6 of 7 receptions for 22 yards, 1 carry
- Defensive lineman Demone Harris
- Several years in the league, then out a year, in Falcons’ pre-season 3 tackles and a forced fumble
- Defensive tackle Zion Logue
- 2 tackles
- Defensive lineman LaCale London
- Played in 7 games in 2023, pre-season had 3 tackles and ½ a stuff
- Wide receiver Jesse Matthews
- 7 receptions on 12 targets for 57 yards, 2 carries for 14 yards
- Offensive lineman Andrew Stueber
- Running back Carlos Washington Jr.
- 29 carries, 71 yards and a touchdown, 2 receptions for 10 yards
- Safety Dane Cruikshank
- With TN for 4 years, then Chicago – played Safety and Receiver and Returner sparingly. In pre-season, 3 tackles and a pass defended
- Offensive lineman Julién Davenport
- Cornerback Kevin King
- Green Bay from 2017 – 2021, out of football, back to the Falcons’ pre-season 6 tackles, 1 forced fumble and an interception, returned for 29 yards. 2 passes defended and a stuff.
- Tight end John FitzPatrick, Georgia boy
- 6 of 9 catches for 33 yards and a leap over a defender. Played in 9 games in 2023 with 1 target and reception of 12 yards.
Every step gets us closer to the season. We are less than 2 weeks away now. Kirk Cousins, happy with the in-laws and family all together, gelled with the offense and ready to use these weapons. Bijan Robinson is in his 2nd year, he can only get better. Drake London and Kyle Pitts have another year under their belts to learn, but now are playing with a real leader.
Grady Jarrett is entering year 10, bigger, badder and healthy and ready to prove he’s back. The defense is on fire and stacked from line to backfield. AJ Terrell is locked in with a new contract. Jessie Bates is still Jessie Bates. With excellent additions through the draft this year and last, as well as the high profile free agents of Justin Simmons and Matthew Judon. Lots of young, hungry guys, ready to make some stops.
And this coaching staff, young coordinators from the Sean McVay coaching tree and Raheem Morris at the helm with so much experience on both sides of the ball, and the heart and mind of a champion. He is a players’ coach, but not making friends over excellent players. Everyone will be held accountable, but more positive reinforcement than negativity and yelling. Lots of collaboration and input from players and all of the coaches, everyone coming up with new and better ideas.
This season is going to be an exciting one, especially starting off hosting Pittsburg OC Arthur Smith who has given the Falcons (or the fans at least) bulletin board material with his “I’m not saying we are going to score 40 in Atlanta, but hope to…..” Good luck with that. Not on this D, not with you as the OC.
I’m not saying that I guarantee a win, but I am saving vacation days to use for a SuperBowl trip in February 2025.
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