Falcons among team, coach or player who will breakout in the 2024 season

A lot of people have described the Falcons as a talented, yet underachieving roster, one that is the proverbial ‘quarterback away’ from competing.

Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith didn’t accomplish what they set out to three years ago in terms of wins and losses, but they did create an enviable situation for Raheem Morris to inherit.

The organization’s salary cap is in good health, they own more than their full allotment of draft picks, and the roster is in a good place.

The Falcons have around $25 million in cap space this offseason, but that could balloon to around $45 million with a few minor cuts. They also own the 8th overall pick, along with what could be an extra second-round pick if the Jaguars extend Calvin Ridley.

There are holes that need to be filled on the roster, but it’s in a much better place than it was when Fontenot took over. The offensive line is set to return all five starters, and very few teams can compete with the young trio of skill players in Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson.

On the other side of the ball, David Onyemata and Grady Jarrett provide a menacing interior duo backed up by Kaden Elliss on the second level. Two All-Pros in Jessie Bates and A.J. Terrell in the secondary isn’t too shabby either.

There are a couple of needs the Falcons must address, but it’s a team that is oozing with potential, which is why Seth Walder of ESPN picked Atlanta as his team that will breakout in 2024.

The Falcons. The roster already has talent and potential, and now the Falcons have brought in coach Raheem Morris and a new offensive system with coordinator Zac Robinson. Capable quarterback play would go a long way, and while the need at quarterback is substantial, there are a few different ways the Falcons can address it (the draft? Kirk Cousins? Justin Fields?). All of those options are likely to be an upgrade over the Desmond Ridder–Taylor Heinicke combination they rolled out last season

The Falcons will only go as far as the quarterback they acquire this offseason can take them. We saw what poor play could do to a talented team last year. Raheem Morris’ seat will get warm quickly if the Falcons don’t start winning games.

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Photographer: John Adams/Icon Sportswire