The Atlanta Falcons are expected to be a much-improved team ahead of the 2023 season. Gone is the hellish cap situation and weapons abound for Arthur Smith to play with. If Desmond Ridder is what the front office believes he can be, the Falcons could be primed for a breakout season offensively.
John Fricke seems to think this could be a dominant season for the Falcons.
“I don't think that the Atlanta Falcons are a version of Arthur Smith's old team in Tennessee," Fricke said about the misconceptions of what the Falcons will try to be in 2023. "Because a lot of people look and say, ‘oh, they're the Tennessee Titans. They want to play tough defense and run the football.’”
Instead of that comparison, Fricke sees this edition of the Falcons in more of the mold of the San Francisco 49ers.
“I think it's going to be more explosive offensively,” he continued. “Because you're going to have playmakers on offense beyond just your running back. So, I think this team has playmakers”
When Desmond Ridder goes under center week one against the Carolina Panthers, he’ll have plenty of options at the skill positions. Bijan Robinson will line up behind him, Jonnu Smith will line up at tight end, on his left will be Drake London, Kyle Pitts will be on his right, and Cordarrelle Patterson is in the slot.
That list doesn’t even include 1,000-yard rusher Tyler Allgeier. So, if you’re a defensive coordinator, what is your plan to slow that down?
“I look at that a say this team could be pretty explosive,” Fricke finished. “I think this offense could take a big jump, like from 21 points to 30 points per game.”
