The Atlanta Falcons are once again on the outside looking in as Super Bowl LIX is set. The Eagles and Chiefs have been two of the best teams in the league throughout the season and several teams will be looking to imitate their success. How far away is a team like the Falcons from making a return to the NFL's crowing achievement?
The Steakhouse discussed the matchup and what lessons the Falcons can take from the pair of teams.
"Either load up your roster, like Howie Roseman has [for the Eagles], or have a generational player that's one of the greatest of all time," Steak said. "[The Eagles] are loaded with talent everywhere. What is Kansas City loaded with? An Andy Reid offensive system that every time they need to make a big play, they find a way to do it."
Could the Falcons reach either level in the coming years? That would certainly be much easier said than done.
"What could the Falcons be if Michael Penix is as good as [we think]? And you have Bijan Robinson and you have a pretty good collection on offense of guys, then maybe you have a chance," Steak continued. "I look at this through the Falcons' lens and [ask], 'How far away are we?'"
The offense certainly has the tools to be a strong unit in the coming seasons, but it all comes back to the progression from Penix under center. Can he elevate to the level we saw flashes of over the last three games of the season? Additionally, can the defense continue to build out its personnel and fit the needs of the new defensive staff?
Assuming Penix turns out to be a game-changer at quarterback, the Falcons appear to be loaded on offense with a whole host of playmakers and a mostly set offensive line. The defense, on the other hand, feels like it is still a few years away from being a championship-caliber group.
The hope for the Falcons is that they can eventually push to a Super Bowl -- or even an NFC South title at this point, but it still feels like they are a long way away from putting those pieces together.
