With just one game remaining in the regular season the Atlanta Falcons head to New Orleans for a division matchup with the Saints. The Falcons still possess a chance, albeit a slim one, of wining the division and making it to the playoffs, which would be the Falcons' first playoff appearance since the 2017 season. The poor quarterback play has shouldered much of the blame for a lack-luster season. Now, the Falcons are faced with the reality of having a different opening day starter for the fourth year in a row next season. They need to make sure that streak doesn't extend to five.
"Quarterback Purgatory" a place no franchise wants to find themselves, but that is exactly where the Falcons find themselves. Caleb Johnson recently spoke on the "Dopey Millennials Show" about what the Falcons need to do to fix the issue.
The word Johnson used the most, "commit." Committing to a leader and passer is the most important task Arthur Smith and the Falcons' front office have to tackle this offseason. However, the formula needs to change. No more bridge quarterbacks, no more game-managers. The Falcons need to commit to a quarterback and commit for the long haul.
Names like Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, or Justin Fields have become popular. Others believe the draft is the route to go. No matter the decision, veteran free-agent or first-round rookie, get someone that the organization is comfortable handing the reigns to for multiple years.
The Colts and Browns are both examples of teams that had a carousel at the position but recently made commitments to long-term answers. While both of those players, Deshaun Watson and Anthony Richardson, are currently out for the season with injuries, both franchises feel much better about the future of their franchise than the Falcons do.