The Atlanta Falcons are set to look much different than they did last year and even over the past couple of years. For starters, the coaching staff will be mostly brand new, with Raheem Morris taking over for Arthur Smith as head coach. He will be bringing in coordinators Zac Robinson and Jimmy Lake, among other assistants. But they'll also have notable additions to the roster, like Kirk Cousins, who Falcons fans believe is the missing piece they've been needing all these years.
Three seasons of 7-10 football have continued to keep the franchise out of the playoffs, dating back to 2017. With the new coaching staff and added roster pieces, all that's left now is to prove that the 2024 Falcons team is different from the previous ones.
But it's not just about Cousins, who undoubtedly should make for a drastic difference at the quarterback position if nothing else. There are other players scattered throughout the roster who have a chance to make an impact that no one is talking about at the moment and who have a chance to break out in the upcoming season. We've seen it before with guys like those currently on the team, such as Tyler Allgeier and Grady Jarrett in seasons past.
Who could it be this season? Well, three players sort of stick out.
Nate Landman, Linebacker
Nate Landman has been with the Falcons since 2022 but really saw an increase in production last season. He went from just 22 total snaps in 2022 to 809 in 2023 when he had to fill in for Troy Andersen after he tore his pectoral muscle.
Landman quickly proved he can hang when he posted 110 total tackles, seven for a loss, four quarterback hits, two sacks, and made three forced fumbles in 16 games and 14 starts. Though Atlanta may have continued to struggle in the pass rush department, the defense did still make improvements, and a large part of that was thanks to the inside linebacker group, where Landman was a huge help.
The Falcons ranked top 10 in both passing yards per game (202.9) and rushing yards per attempt (4). In 2022, they were ranked No. 25 and No. 18 in those categories. Even though the defense may have a bit of a new look under new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, it's promising what he has at inside linebacker with Landman now being a pivotal piece, who could be in line for an even bigger season in 2024.
Zach Harrison, Defensive Lineman
Last year's third-round pick Zach Harrison is set to have a breakout year in 2024. Last season, Harrison played in all 17 games but had just 343 snaps, where he accounted for 33 total tackles, four for a loss, three sacks, two quarterback hits, and eight hurries. As the season progressed, his overall defensive grading continued to trend upward. He finished the season at 63.0 overall, according to Pro Football Focus.
He became a sponge while surrounding himself with veterans like Calais Campbell, who was on last year's Falcons roster, according to ESPN. Based on his increased production as the season went on last season, Harrison could be set for a breakout season in his second year in the league.
Kyle Pitts, Tight End
Okay, yeah, Kyle Pitts has been around now for what will be his fourth season in 2024, and he had a very good rookie season. However, the former Florida Gator has yet to really live up to the hype that followed him from Gainesville, therefore, he's seems suitable to put on this list. Some of that is due to injuries, some of that is due to coaching, and some of that is due to poor quarterback play. If healthy, there's a promising new coaching staff that will be orchestrated by new coordinator Zac Robinson, along with one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league over his career in Cousins.
With Cousins also being a big fan of his tight ends, that should bode well for Pitts. Last year, nearly 27 percent of his targeted passes were to tight ends, which ranked fifth in the NFL, according to CBS Sports. The 2024 season could be the breakout year for Pitts everyone's been waiting for.
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