Arthur Smith to accentuate Falcons QBs mobility

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Despite the Falcons bolstering many of the weakest units on the roster, the team is still a ways away from competing in the postseason. On paper, Terry Fontenot hit a home run with the 2022 draft class. He made Drake London the highest-drafted receiver to strengthen the worst pass-catching unit in football. Then, on Day 2 of the draft, Fontenot drafted two pass rushers and the future at the most important position in the sport — quarterback.

Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone are EDGE defenders who should have an immediate impact, while it may take a bit longer for Desmond Ridder to burst onto the scene. From an initial standpoint, the class answered many questions. However, the Falcons undoubtedly got worse at signal caller. Ridder may prove to be the answer at the position, but in 2022, Matt Ryan will be head and shoulders better than Marcus Mariota or Ridder.

Ryan is the more cerebral, experienced, and accurate quarterback. But one characteristic the other two have that makes them superior is their mobility. Ryan has long been knocked for his lack of mobility, despite being an excellent pocket passer. It is one skill that Arthur Smith should be able to accentuate, regardless of which player starts this season.

In a radio interview with Andy Bunker on 92.9 The Game, Smith spoke on the subject, stating the offense will look a bit different with the mobility of the quarterbacks on the team.

The Falcons’ offense will look more similar to those in Tennessee under Smith — zone rushing attack with play action rollouts built off the run. With Mariota and Ridder in Atlanta, the Falcons will continue to stress the focus of getting their passers out of the pocket. It will also give Smith the ability in short-yardage situations to use the quarterback as an additional runner, something he did sparingly last season with the far less mobile Ryan. It’ll be interesting to see what Smith can accomplish with Mariota and Ridder.

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Photographer: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire
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Hawks Report: Atlanta seen as a potential free agent destination for Zach LaVine

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At one point during the regular season, the Bulls were considered championship contenders, but injuries to Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso derailed any momentum in Chicago. They were dismantled by the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs, leading to questions regarding the team’s future.

Zach LaVine was a major part of that success, but DeMar DeRozan was the MVP candidate on the team. Despite wanting to be the guy in Chicago, LaVine took a backseat this past season.

Many believed the Bulls were the favorite to be the team LaVine plays for this upcoming season, but feelings around the Association have begun to turn. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Atlanta is seen by multiple league sources as a potential free agent destination for the Washington native.

The Hawks wouldn’t be able to give LaVine the lucrative contract that he so desires, but they could still give him a max salary. The Bulls star can make up to $157.4 million over four years with a new team, while Chicago can offer him $212.3 million over five years. However, that’s not considering any sign-and-trade scenarios.

LaVine likely wants to make as much money as he possibly can, while the Bulls don’t want him to just walk in free agency, leaving them empty-handed. The Hawks would have to clear cap space regardless if they want to acquire LaVine, so a sign-and-trade seems most likely if Atlanta is in play.

Coming off back-to-back All-Star appearances, LaVine is the secondary scorer the Hawks desperately need to pair with Trae Young. In his last two seasons with Chicago, he averaged 25.8 points on 49.1% shooting from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc while adding 4.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.

The Hawks would love to have someone like LaVine play next to their superstar point guard, and unlike DeRozen in Chicago, Young will be able to facilitate more opportunities for LaVine. DeRozen is strictly a mid-range, isolation player, while Ice Trae can break down defenses off the dribble and get LaVine involved from the wing.

I would much rather the Hawks give LaVine a max contract than someone like Deandre Ayton, who Fischer also mentions as a possible target for Atlanta.

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Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire

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