As the Atlanta Falcons prepare to report to training camp on July 27 ahead of the start of the 2021 season, fans are still questioning how things will go for new head coach, Arthur Smith, and the franchise as they begin to move on without seven-time Pro Bowler, Julio Jones, who was traded to the Tennessee Titans in back in June.
In April the Falcons selected tight end, Kyle Pitts, out of Florida with the No. 4 pick. For many fans this was not the direction the organization should have gone in, and with the Jones trade following months later, the decision of the Falcons’ selection of Pitts seemed to further cement the uncertainty of the future for many fans.
Insert Smith and his staff, starting the process of implanting a new system, earning the locker room’s respect, getting everyone to buy in, and addressing the team’s needs.
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The Morning Show with John & Hugh recently spoke with former Atlanta Falcon wide receiver Harry Douglas about the challenges ahead of Smith and whether or not the Falcons will look to fill any voids before training camp or wait until after camp begins and then assess their potential needs.
“I think if they do it, I say a week and a half or two into training camp after you see how everyone is progressing,” Douglas told John and Hugh.
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As for the biggest challenge for Smith, Douglas told John and Hugh that he believes Smith’s No. 1 task should be “getting everybody on the same page.” For Douglas, Smith needs to have the team “on one accord” and moving “cohesively” and in doing so, the team will be in a good position in starting a new regime under Smith.
Douglas noted that during his recent visits to the Falcons OTA’s, the players are already “heading in that direction.”