Heading into the 2021 season, not much was expected from the Falcons as a rookie head coach took over a team that went 4-12 in 2020. While Arthur Smith’s squad missed the playoffs, the team finished 7-10 and had a chance—albeit a slim chance—at a playoff berth late in the season.
With clear holes throughout the roster, the Falcons’ effort caught the attention of Audacy Insider and former NFL GM Michael Lombardi.
“I think the fact that they won seven games is a miracle,” Lombardi told Jon Chuckery. “They’re at the bottom third of offensive numbers and defensive numbers. The talent level was depleted, and certainly their cap situation didn’t lend itself to it. Then, they lose their best receiver which was problematic. Pitts is a really nice player but he’s not a TE, he’s a WR which creates some other problems that you have to work around. So, I think [Smith] did a really good job.”