The Falcons released their first depth chart earlier in the week, and there weren’t many surprises.
The biggest surprise was Avery Williams, not Ray-Ray McCloud, listed as the starting kick and punt returner. That wasn’t really the case for much of the offseason.
Arnold Ebiketie not starting is disappointing but not necessarily surprising. I expect the Falcons to have a healthy rotation along the defensive front, so it shouldn’t bother anyone too much.
However, a position battle that isn’t quite over in the eyes of The Athletic’s Josh Kendall is the cornerback opposite of A.J. Terrell. Mike Hughes has been the starter for the entire offseason, but Kendall isn’t as convinced it’s over.
“Clark Phillips III has made more splash plays this preseason than any other Falcons defender, including Mike Hughes, but Hughes kept rolling out with the No. 1 defense at cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell throughout the preseason practices open to the media. That suggests Hughes has been more assignment-sound day to day and that he needs to be looking over his shoulder.”
This isn’t some hot take by Kendall. In the five seasons that Terrell has been the Falcons starter, he’s lined up opposite five different starters, and in several seasons, multiple starters. That will probably be the case again in 2024.
Mike Hughes has struggled to find a home for a reason. Whether it’s injuries or inconsistencies, Clark Phillips will likely get an opportunity to see the field as a starter for the Falcons this season.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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