The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of a disappointing 2018 campaign in which they won just seven games, but there is a lot of hope around the team heading in this coming season.
With Matt Ryan under center and a great group of receivers, the Falcons could have a very explosive offense in 2019, and Devonta Freeman's return from groin surgery should also provide Atlanta with a big lift.
That being said, there are some question marks surrounding the Falcons, and as a result, people are straddling the fence in determining whether or not Atlanta will be a playoff team.
One thing is for sure: the Falcons certainly have the potential to be one of the better clubs in the NFC, but, unlike loaded teams such as the Los Angeles Rams, they will need to catch some breaks in order to reach that level.
Here are three priorities for the Falcons heading into training camp:
3. Get Devonta Freeman Back on Track
The Falcons were bringing Freeman back slowly but surely earlier in the offseason, but head coach Dan Quinn recently provided a very encouraging update on the running back, saying he has been making sharp cuts and looking great during workouts.
That is phenomenal use for an Atlanta team that desperately needs Freeman to produce in 2019, especially with Tevin Coleman no longer around to provide the Falcons with some insurance.
Freeman played in just two games in 2018, but we know how important he is to Atlanta's offense when he is healthy.
He isn't Saquon Barkley or Ezekiel Elliott, but Freeman is still a really good back who opens up the Falcons' offense, so it's important to work him back into the swing of things and make sure he is prepared for Week 1.
2. Work Deion Jones Back Slowly
Linebacker Deion Jones played in just six games this past season due to a foot injury, and with Jones rehabbing the injury during the offseason, he missed Falcons minicamp earlier this month.
However, Jones is expected to be ready for training camp, and his presence alone should help Atlanta's defense recover from what was a disastrous season in 2018.
Obviously, Jones by himself won't fix all of the Falcons' defensive issues, but with him being their best player on that side of the ball, he will certainly make a huge difference.
The key is obviously not overworking him in camp and easing him back into action as to avoid re-injury.
Jones is an integral piece to a potential Falcons playoff push in 2019, so his health is paramount.
1. Lock Up Julio Jones
Julio Jones has been a good soldier about the fact that he does not yet have a new contract, as he has not taken to complaining about his lack of an extension in public and keeps saying all the right things.
At some point, though, Atlanta needs to buckle down and get things done, because you have to wonder just how much more patient Jones is going to be.
Yes, he is 30 years old, but Jones may very well be the best wide receiver in football and is coming off of a 2018 campaign in which he led the league with 1,677 yards to go along with 113 receptions and eight touchdowns.
Players like Jones don't come around too often, so when they do, you want to make sure they are taken care of.
The Falcons have said they are gradually working on a deal for the six-time Pro Bowler, but it might be time to start speeding up the process.
Follow Us
Subscribe