With the recent news that former Norcross HS and current New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara could face a suspension of at least six games this season, this definitely could change the landscape of the NFC South for the upcoming season with the Falcons using it to their advantage starting Week 1.
After finishing the 2021 season with a record of 7-10 and splitting the series with the Saints, squeaking out a 27-25 win on a last-second Younghoe Koo field goal on the road in Week 9 and suffering a 30-20 home loss to close out the season, the Falcons kickoff the 2022-2023 season by hosting the Saints on September 11th and come into this year ranked ninth in strength of schedule.
The first seven games of the season will be a tough stretch for Atlanta as they have four playoff teams from 2021 on the slate, including the current Super Bowl champion LA Rams in Week 2 and defending AFC champs Cincinnati Week 7. The looming suspension of Kamara could give the Falcons a bit of an edge and hopefully have the team opening up the season on the winning track.
In the two games against Atlanta last season, Kamara was a major force on the field. In week 7, he led the Saints with 104 all-purpose yards and 1 TD despite taking the loss. In the season finale, he had one his best games of the season with 30 carries for 146 yards in the Saints victory. It seems to be a no-brainer that the Falcons would have the advantage in the first matchup of the season if Kamara is kept off the field due to his suspension stemming from a felony battery arrest in February.
It’s not really a question of IF he will be suspended but rather WHEN and for how long. With a rebuilt and unproven Falcons defense up front, look for them to breathe a sigh of relief that they don’t have to look across the field and see No. 41 in the backfield or lined up outside.