The 2021 NFL season is just around the corner and the Atlanta Falcons have cut their roster size down to 53. There weren't many surprises on cut day for this franchise, as most of the roster seemed to be a lock throughout the preseason. It'll be interesting to see who is named on the starting lineup, as there could be some new faces in the rotation.
The Falcons might not be the most talented team, but with Arthur Smith as the new head coach, Atlanta could be more dangerous than perceived. For that to happen, they'll need their defense to step up in a big way. We could see a new face in the starting lineup within the front seven, as the Falcons need a boost in that area.
The offense is where the Falcons will strive this year. Matt Ryan is back under center and even though Julio Jones is gone, Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts aim to be the top passing options. Although that's true, there is one wide receiver that could lose his starting job entering the regular season. With that said, here are two Falcons first-stringers in danger of losing their starting jobs.
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Falcons first-stringers to watch
Steven Means
Steven Means is entering the seventh year of his career and holds the starting role for now. He had his best season yet last year, recording 38 total tackles and three sacks. However, Means is in danger of losing his starting job to Dante Fowler Jr., who has looked solid throughout training camp and preseason.
Dante Fowler Jr. has had a rocky career but seems to be coming into his own this offseason. One of these two will serve as the starter while the other is the backup. Steven Means has to improve his consistency if he hopes to retain the starting role this year. Keep an eye on the outside linebacker position in Atlanta, as the Falcons still have a position battle on their hands.
The Falcons need the best players in the starting lineup, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Look for the coaching staff to monitor the outside linebacker position carefully, as either Steven Means or Dante Fowler Jr. will win the job. The loser will be a nice rotational player to help keep fresh legs on the field.
Russell Gage
Outside of Ridley and Pitts, the Falcons need someone else to step up. It was assumed that Russell Gage would become the second option in the receiver group, but he's had some stiff competition throughout the offseason. Gage will see the field often this year, but he's in direct competition with Olamide Zaccheaus for the starting job.
Olamide Zaccheaus isn't a name that many know about, but he's been consistent throughout training camp and preseason. He still has some time left to earn a more prominent role on the Falcons offense, putting him in competition with Russell Gage. One of these two will be a starting wide receiver for the Falcons.
Whoever wins the job, they're likely the third or possibly fourth option in the passing game. Even though Hayden Hurst is bound to be the backup tight end, he should still see the field often. Either way, keep an eye on the Falcons' receiver group, as Zaccheaus has a real chance to usurp Russell Gage.
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