The Falcons’ offseason will be defined by what they do at quarterback.
Of course, there are other requirements. Drake London needs a running partner or two. A.J. Terrell undoubtedly does as well, and the organization is always looking for an edge rusher.
Terrell and Drew Dalman are both extension prospects; Kyle Pitts’ fifth-year option must be exercised, but the 2024 season will be determined by Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris’ efforts to improve the quarterback position.
It is the single most important aspect in determining whether Atlanta will return to the postseason or continue its drought for another year. So it’s no surprise that the Falcons slid into the’stuck in QB purgatory’ bracket in an ESPN study that looked at where clubs stood as contenders, entire rebuilds, and everything in between.The Falcons must take half-measures, or as Fowler calls it, “passive attempts” to improve their position. The club must be aggressive in its approach, which may include double dipping in the quarterback market.Regardless of what the new regime decides to do, it must be a full-fledged offseason, not a third-round pick or a backup-caliber free agent. Quarterback purgatory is the worst place for a club to be, and Falcons fans are experiencing it for the first time since Matt Ryan’s departure.It’s not a stretch to claim that his experience in Los Angeles under Sean McVay and Les Snead helped incoming Falcons head coach Raheem Morris more than his tenure in Tampa Bay as Buccaneers head coach.
Morris aspires to bring his expertise working for one of football’s top head coaches and general managers to his new club. Morris discussed McVay and Snead’s relationship, and how he hopes to have a similar relationship with Terry Fontenot.
“When I arrived there, one of the first things I said to Sean was, ‘Man, I am jealous of you and Les Snead’s connection.’ I suggested that the next step is for you to collaborate in silence and maintain consistent, honest, and open communication with one another.To me, it was the common vision they had for ultimate collaboration as a result of the communication. The first thing I noticed about those guys was that they were both good listeners and communicators. Morriss told Terrin Wack of atlantafalcons.com that the communication must be open, honest, and continuing.The Falcons attempted to collaborate with Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot, but there was clearly some miscommunication, as they ended up with a third-round pick in Desmond Ridder as their primary option in 2023.
The roster has some difficulties, but none are more pressing than the quarterback spot. The new partnership in Atlanta will be challenged with devising a solution this offseason, whether for the short or long term.
The rest of the roster isn’t flawless, but it’s in decent form. The Falcons could need some wide receivers, cornerbacks, and pass rushers. It will be Raheem Morris and his staff’s responsibility to express their demands to Terry Fontenot and his staff, allowing the front office to acquire players that the coaches want and desire.
From what we’ve seen thus far, the connection appears to be blossoming following the introductory press conference.
“I believe Terry and I are creating the relationship that we are attempting to establish right now, and that is the most crucial part. It’s not simply the communication aspect. Morris said, “But it’s also the listening part.”
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