The Falcons had quite the overhaul this offseason bringing in a number of new faces through free-agency. With those moves and their selections in the NFL Draft, Arthur Smith is set to coach the most talented roster he's had since taking over the head coaching role in Atlanta. So which of those new faces will have the biggest impact for the Falcons in 2023? That answer has two parts.
"On the field, its Jessie Bates...In the locker room its Calais Campbell," said Chris Goforth during the "Chris Goforth Show" on Sunday. Jessie Bates III will have an immediate impact on the field as one of the best safeties in the league. Bates will sure up a secondary that has a ton of potential with star corner AJ Terrell and other new addition, former first-round pick, Jeff Okudah, who was traded to Atlanta from Detroit.
However, the biggest impact will come from 36-year old defensive linemen, Calais Campbell. While Campbell may not be the game wrecker he was back in Jacksonville, his wisdom and leadership has been felt from the moment he stepped into the Falcons' facility.
"I think the impact that he can have on this locker room...he's the kind of veteran team that you need," Goforth added. When asked about Campbell, fellow Falcons' defender, Troy Anderson said, "He's going to do a whole bunch of good things for us...we're excited to have him.
Could Campbell's veteran leadership be what the Falcons' defense and team in general need to get over the hump and make a playoff push in a weak NFC South?