Albert Breer is a senior NFL reporter who is nationally respected for his stories and analysis of the league. Though the Falcons seem to have more problems than solutions, Breer is higher on the team than most analysts. In his five threads of each team, he gave more positive than negative thoughts.
https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1436345183944286211?s=20
Breer pointing out Hurst should excite fans because he’s exactly right. Hurst will garner favorable matchups as opposing defenses key in on Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley. Arthur Smith uses two tight end sets as much as any, utilizing the bigger-bodied receiving targets to create mismatches against slower or smaller defenders, and Hurst is the beneficiary of that.
Even though the defense has minimal recognizable names, Breer does highlight two of the most talented defenders in Dean Pees’ unit. Foye and Debo give their defensive coordinator the flexibility in his scheme and play calling, given their ability to support the run, drop into coverage, and blitz the quarterback interchangeably.
3) AJ Terrell's been impressive across the board—movement skills, smarts, instincts, zone/man versatility, makeup. He's already envisioned as a program leader.
4) Rookie S Richie Grant will have a role. Falcons loved how he hit people on teams in preseason.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 10, 2021
Breer’s comments about A.J. Terrell are nothing new, as reports have been consistent regarding how impressive he has been thus far. He’s clearly taking that second-year leap, and his peers/coaches have noticed. He also notes the staff is impressed with rookie Richie Grant, who isn’t currently listed as a starter but is sure to get snaps due to his impact-play ability.
5) Depth up front on both sides remains a big concern, and one the team will likely continue to address during the season. But there's hope that rookies Jalen Mayfield, Ta'Quon Graham and Adetokunbo Ogundeji (all of whom got a lot of work this summer) will help in that area.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 10, 2021
Finally, Breer addresses the elephant in the room — the talent/depth in the trenches. The Falcons offensive line has three established starters returning in Jake Matthews, Chris Lindstrom, and Kaleb McGary. Matthews, the stalwart of the group, has been one of the ten best left tackles in the league for the better part of a decade. Lindstrom is on the cusp of becoming a Pro-Bowl player, and McGary has steadily improved since entering the league. Still, Jalen Mayfield and Matt Hennessy are unproven. Their first five matchups to start the season will be a formidable challenge as they face 11 of the 30 best interior defenders in the NFL.
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