Atlanta, GA
Five looming questions for the Atlanta Falcons off-season: Have they been answered? | Sporting News
![Five looming questions for the Atlanta Falcons off-season: Have they been answered? | Sporting News](https://library.sportingnews.com/styles/crop_style_16_9_desktop/s3/2024-04/GettyImages-1988375985.jpg?h=e4dd3937&itok=y1o3RdV4)
The 2024 off-season has a chance to be a transformational one for the Atlanta Falcons. With the departure of Arthur Smith, the Raheem Morris era of the Falcons makes its beginning and it has gotten off to an explosive start.
With the overhaul of the roster, building this team in the image of the three-headed monster of Morris, defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, Atlanta has come out of the first wave of the off-season as the betting favorites to win the NFC South, according to DraftKings Sportsbooks.
Before the off-season started, the Falcons had five questions looming that they needed to answer for it to be called a success. We look into whether or not these five looming questions have been answered.
1) Did you upgrade at Quarterback?
Answer: Yes, maybe too much…?
At the end of 2023, 30 quarterbacks had 320+ quarterback plays, according to rbsdm.com. Desmond Ridder ended the year 24th in the league in adjusted EPA/play. The quarterbacks worse than him?
- Washington’s Sam Howell
- Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett
- Minnesota’s Josh Dobbs
- New England’s Mac Jones
- Carolina’s Bryce Young and
- New York’s Zach Wilson
The only player out of that list still on their 2023 team is Young, and that’s because the Panthers invested a first-overall pick on him. The Falcons had to upgrade at quarterback…even if they did it questionably.
Atlanta did everything in their power to secure Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins, including giving him a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed, but the Falcons weren’t done there.
With Cousins coming off a season-ending Achilles injury and backup Taylor Heinicke not giving much confidence in his abilities in his play last year, Atlanta took quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. with the eighth overall selection in this year’s draft.
Was it overkill? Could be. But if this goes as the Falcons believe, Atlanta is set at the quarterback for at least the next half-decade to a decade.
2) Did you address the pass-rush?
Answer: Unconventionally, but yes.
Over the past decade-plus, the Falcons’ pass rush has been virtually non-existent. How much? Since 2014, only 41 teams have had less than 30 sacks throughout an NFL season. The Atlanta Falcons are the owners of six of those teams. The next team on the list is Oakland/Las Vegas, with three seasons.
The Falcons pass-rush needed help, even if they did get over the 40-sack mark for the first time since 2004 last season. So, did they? The answer is yes, but unconventionally, the word of the year for the Falcons’ approach to team-building.
With the Falcons selecting Penix at eight, they forwent the opportunity to add a potential premium pass-rusher in the draft, and they didn’t add a pass-rusher at all in free agency. And after losing roughly 13 of those sacks in the losses of Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, there had to be some sort of answer.
Their answer was to add more to the defensive line rotation with not one, not two, but three draft picks spent on the interior of the defensive line. The player with the most upside? The long, athletic Ruke Orhorhoro. The player with the most potential to have an immediate impact? The versatile, powerful Brandon Dorlus. Then, there’s the massive mountain of a man in Zion Logue, who could find a role as a nose tackle.
The Falcons also added one of the potential steals of the draft in Bralen Trice to add to the edge rush rotation, but this off-season showed that they are taking a large bet on those on this roster taking massive steps into their development. 2022 second-round edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie is the top returning sack-getter with 6.0 from last season. If Ebiketie can reach/get close to that double-digit sack total, the Falcons could get to and beyond that 40-sack mark.
Is 40 sacks a low bar? Absolutely, but we have to start somewhere.
3) Who is playing cornerback on the other side of A.J. Terrell?
Answer: Work in progress…
Speaking of bets that this year’s team is making on last year, the Falcons seemingly refused to address the CB2 position. A.J. Terrell is in a contract year and has been teetering between elite and good status since his breakout 2021 season. He’s talented and worthy of that extension, but he and safety Jessie Bates III can’t do everything.
Atlanta made a few signings, adding Antonio Hamilton, Sr., Kevin King and Anthony Johnson to the roster throughout free agency. However, the second cornerback position is up for grabs for most of the cornerback room.
Mike Hughes and Clark Phillips III both have claims to the position as Phillips played admirably in his opportunities last season, while Hughes showed flashes of solid play the last time he was a full-time starter on the outside in 2021, as a Kansas City Chief.
Filling out that other spot is still a work in progress, but they have at least tried to address the situation. How well did they? That remains to be seen.
4) Did Drake London get some help in the wide receiver room?
Answer: Absolutely
Drake London led all Falcons receivers with 905 yards receiving last season. The next wide receiver? Mack Hollins with 251. London hasn’t needed help like this since 1666, and it came in droves this off-season.
Atlanta brought in former Chicago Bears receiver Darnell Mooney in the first wave of free agency, then found a way to pull off the rare player-for-player trade as they acquired receiver/offensive weapon Rondale Moore for quarterback Desmond Ridder, both of which needed a fresh start.
Even with these additions, the Falcons weren’t finished. They drafted Illinois’ outside ball-winner Casey Washington in the sixth round as another potential draft steal.
It was clear that the word of the off-season for the receiver room was speed, and they added plenty of it. With this overhaul, London got plenty of help, and this offense got a much-needed face-lift that could help them compete for a playoff spot in 2024.
5) Did they do enough to overtake the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South?
Answer: On paper? Yes
Quarterback Baker Mayfield was overlooked as a signing to the Bucs last season as they were seen as a rebuilding roster in the wake of Tom Brady’s departure. Instead, Tampa Bay won nine games, including five of their final six, to take the NFC South for a third consecutive year.
After outfitting this roster with offensive weapons galore, the Falcons got rid of Smith to get the modern-day mold of a contender: A Shanahan/McVay-type offense and a quarters-heavy, bend-but-don’t-break defense. Was that enough to overtake them for the division? On paper, yes.
Games aren’t played on paper. The Bucs retained a large part of their core, including Mayfield, star wide receiver Mike Evans and star safety Antoine Winfield, Jr., making them as formidable as they were last season. If the Falcons’ plan goes as planned, it won’t matter. Atlanta will have too much talent for Tampa Bay to overcome.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Atlanta, GA
Braves News: Brian Anderson to injured list, Orlando Arcia’s tests clean, and more
![Braves News: Brian Anderson to injured list, Orlando Arcia’s tests clean, and more](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_cwBgBUv0CDvoJg4O_gJnof4ouE=/0x588:4810x3106/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25506661/usa_today_20795268.jpg)
The Atlanta Braves announced Tuesday that outfielder Brian Anderson is headed to the 10-day injured list due to a bacterial infection. The move is backdated to June 22. To take his spot on the roster, the club recalled utilityman Luke Williams.
The #Braves today recalled INF Luke Williams to Atlanta and placed INF Brian Anderson on the 10-day injured list, backdated to June 22, with a bacterial infection. Additionally, the club transferred the rehabilitation assignment for LHP A.J. Minter to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 25, 2024
Anderson joined the Braves at the beginning of the month and has since appeared in three games. He’s had five at-bats and has struck out in two of them. He’s logged one inning at third base and 13 in right field for Atlanta.
Williams, on the other hand, has appeared in eight games and has even spent an inning on the mound. He’s spent the majority of his playing time this year at third base while Austin Riley was absent with an injury.
More Braves News:
After exiting Monday night’s game with dizziness, Orlando Arcia underwent several tests at the hospital, all of which came back clean. Justin Toscano of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution has more.
Tuesday night’s game in St. Louis was rained out and will be made up on Wednesday as a doubleheader. The Braves will give Reynaldo López the ball in game one and Bryce Elder will pitch game two.
Nacho Alvarez is on a tear in Triple-A with yet another home run. More in the Braves Prospects Weekly Report.
Ken Sugiura of the AJC discusses the impact Willie Mays had on Dale Murphy and Ralph Garr.
MLB News:
The Seattle Mariners placed Bryan Woo on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. He exited Monday night’s game in the fourth inning.
The San Francisco Giants are calling up pitching prospect Hayden Birdsong to make his MLB debut Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs.
The Los Angeles Angels transferred left-hander Patrick Sandoval to the 60-day injured list after it was announced that he needed UCL surgery.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand will undergo wrist surgery on July 11 and is expected to have a three month recovery.
The New York Mets placed outfielder Starling Marte on the 10-day injured list with a right knee bone bruise. He is expected to miss four weeks.
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired left-hander Dallas Keuchel from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations.
The Cincinnati Reds placed left-hander Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list due to a blistered finger. The move is retroactive to June 24.
The Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Chris Paddack on the 15-day injured list with shoulder fatigue. To take his roster spot, the club recalled Ronny Henriquez.
Atlanta, GA
Kenya Moore Leaving 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Following Suspension
![Kenya Moore Leaving 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Following Suspension](https://www.etonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/1280x720/public/images/2024-02/moore2.jpg?h=c673cd1c)
Kenya Moore is officially out at The Real Housewives of Atlanta after 11 seasons with the show.
On Tuesday, ET confirmed that the 53-year-old reality TV star will not be returning for season 16 following her suspension by Bravo back in early June. Kenya was sidelined at the time for alleged drama involving RHOA newcomer Brittany Eady.
In response, a source tells ET that she decided to part ways with the franchise, despite previously expressing interest in returning, declaring that she would not be “going anywhere” and receiving support from her longtime cast mates and friends.
“Kenya is not returning to RHOA this season. She decided it was best for herself to leave after how she felt the incident was handled and how she was treated,” a source shared with ET. The news of Moore’s exit was first reported by TMZ.
Kenya later vaguely her decision to exit the series in a tweet, writing “You are the best fans anyone could ever ask for. and I love you all so very much. Always and forever.” The former Miss USA also added “#TeamTwirlForever,” referencing her fanbase.
While TMZ reports Bravo is keeping the door open for a future return, a source with knowledge of the situation tells ET that hasn’t been discussed.
A separate source tells ET it’s currently unknown how Kenya’s exit will be addressed on the show, if at all. “It’s still early into filming and they could just edit her out, like Lizzy Savetsky on New York.” Savetsky was a cast member on the rebooted version of The Real Housewives of New York but left the show early on in filming. When the show premiered, she was completely left out of the edit.
Regardless of how her departure is handled, the individuals say Kenya is not interested in conversations at this time after her unceremonious suspension.
“Kenya was suspended for allegedly depicting Brittany performing a sexual act at the grand opening of her Kenya Moore Hair Spa in Atlanta, from images allegedly found online,” one person shared with ET at the time.”The network is still reviewing the content Kenya displayed during filming.”
After the news of her suspension broke, Kenya hopped on Instagram Live and said she had “a lot going on” and was doing her best to be a successful business owner and working mom. Kenya shares daughter Brooklyn, 5, with her ex, Marc Daly.
“The way that people go out of their way to disparage your name or ruin your business, I’ll never understand it,” she said. “Leave me alone. I’m a single mom. I’m out here just like anybody else. I am not getting child support, I’m not getting anything. I’m taking care of my daughter on my own.”
She requested that her fans “ride with me through this journey.”
Kenya shouted out cast members Drew Sidora and Porsha Williams throughout the live for being supportive friends as they repeatedly commented with their assistance.
Porsha wrote, “We love you!!” in the comments, and praised Kenya as a “Queen.” Meanwhile, Shamea Morton and Angela Oakley revealed they were watching, and Drew praised Kenya’s hair.
The rest of the cast is still filming season 16, which has yet to receive a release date.
Following the alleged event, Kenya also took to social media to defend herself, posting, “I would never engage in revenge porn, I have never distributed private images or footage of anyone, nor solicited images owned by others to use to threaten or blackmail.” She maintained her innocence, adding, “I have always been vindicated.”
Brittany — the Housewife on the other side of the drama — has similarly addressed the situation. She also denied the internet rumors that she threatened Kenya with a gun.”For the record, I’ve never once had possession of any weapons or threatened anyone ever.”
RELATED CONTENT:
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta's Munir Meghjani and David Perdue broach difficult topics with 'Comedy & Conversations'
![Atlanta's Munir Meghjani and David Perdue broach difficult topics with 'Comedy & Conversations'](https://www.wabe.org/app/uploads/2024/06/convoscomedy-credit-Heather-Lynn-Gonzalez-1440x810.jpg)
“Comedy & Conversations” is an immersive experience where comedy is used as a tool to engage with difficult social topics such as immigration, food insecurity, race and mental health.
Laughter is a universal language, and these shows thoughtfully pair comedians with subject experts for conversations that use humor to make group dialog engaging, understandable and actionable.
Atlanta activist and community leader Munir Meghjani created the series alongside comedian and “What’s Good Atlanta” host David Perdue. The next “Comedy & Conversations” event, “Reconstructing Reconstruction,” occurs at the Margaret Mitchell House at Atlanta History Center Midtown on Thursday, June 27.
The duo joins Summer Evans on “City Lights” to discuss the upcoming show.
-
World1 week ago
Protesters in Brussels march against right-wing ideology
-
News1 week ago
A fast-moving wildfire spreads north of Los Angeles, forcing evacuations
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Short Film Review: Willow and Wu (2024) by Kathy Meng
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Movie Review: Top 5 Movies to Watch This Father's Day June 16, 2024 –
-
World1 week ago
Al-Qaeda affiliate claims responsibility for June attack in Burkina Faso
-
News1 week ago
Mass shooting at Rochester Hills splash pad: Everything we know
-
Politics1 week ago
Texas Democratic candidate charged with faking racist comments to himself
-
News1 week ago
John Everett Benson, Who Chiseled John F. Kennedy’s Grave, Dies at 85