The Falcons had a quick turnaround from Monday night’s preseason matchup against the Jets to cuts on Tuesday by 4 p.m ET. Atlanta, like every organization, had to get down to 80 players, having parted ways with Geronimo Allison, Auden Tate, Lafayette Pitts, and Kuony Deng while waiving Jalen Dalton with an injury.
Roster officially has been cut down to 80.https://t.co/1zICXAvZcP
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 23, 2022
It was the second round of cuts, which never made sense to me. Two rounds of cuts of five players then a final cut of 27 players never seemed logical to me, but I digress.
The one transaction I’m most surprised about is Dalton, who I was sure would make the final 53-man roster. He was impressive in limited action, and the defensive line depth is non-existent. Now, it’s even more of an issue.
The two receivers weren’t as big of a surprise. Tate didn’t play against the Jets, so the writing was on the wall. Allison received more burn than Tate, but he looked rough in the reps he garnered, even dropping a catchable pass against the Lions.
This is excellent news for me and others who would love for Jared Bernhardt to make the final 53-man roster. The former Lacrosse star will compete with Frank Darby, KeeSean Johnson, Damiere Byrd, Cameron Batson, and Stanley Berryhill for one of the final roster spot at receiver. Bernhardt, Darby, and Byrd have to be the favorites.
Pitts was in a crowded cornerback room; it was always going to be difficult for him to beat out a combination of Dee Alford, Corey Ballentine, Mike Ford, and Matt Hankins. Alford is the favorite to be the one to come out of this group; he’s been making plays whenever he’s on the field.
Last but not least, Deng was certainly a project of a pass rusher, and the coaching staff clearly sees it similarly.
Next is the Falcons’ preseason finale against the Jaguars, followed by the final wave of cuts, which will be 27 players. We wish the best for Geronimo Allison, Auden Tate, Lafayette Pitts, Kuony Deng, and Jalen Dalton in their next chapter!
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Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
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