2026 NFL offseason preview: Atlanta Falcons’ new regime has a lot to figure out, starting at QB

The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a busy offseason as they look to improve upon their 2020 season and make a run at the playoffs in the upcoming year. With a new coaching staff in place and several key players set to hit free agency, there are plenty of decisions to be made and work to be done in the coming months.

One of the biggest tasks facing the Falcons this offseason is addressing their roster needs and deciding which players to bring back and which to let go. The team has several key players set to become free agents, including star wide receiver Julio Jones and standout safety Keanu Neal. Both players have been integral parts of the Falcons’ success in recent years, but their high price tags may make it difficult for the team to retain them.

In addition to deciding which players to re-sign, the Falcons also have several positions of need that they will need to address in the offseason. One area of concern is the offensive line, which struggled at times during the 2020 season. The team will need to add depth and talent to this unit in order to protect quarterback Matt Ryan and open up running lanes for the ground game.

Another position that the Falcons will need to address is cornerback, where the team lacked depth and playmaking ability in 2020. With several key players set to hit free agency, including Darqueze Dennard and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, the team will need to add talent through either free agency or the draft in order to shore up this position.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons will also need to address their pass rush, which was inconsistent at times during the 2020 season. The team will need to add talent at the defensive end position in order to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers.

In addition to addressing their roster needs, the Falcons will also need to focus on developing their young talent and building chemistry within the team. With a new coaching staff in place, including head coach Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Dean Pees, the team will need to adjust to new schemes and systems in order to be successful in the upcoming season.

One area where the Falcons will look to improve is their red zone efficiency, which was a major issue for the team in 2020. The team struggled to score touchdowns once they reached the red zone, often settling for field goals instead. With the addition of Arthur Smith, who was known for his success in the red zone during his time with the Tennessee Titans, the Falcons will look to improve in this area and become more efficient at scoring touchdowns.

Another area where the Falcons will look to improve is their turnover margin, which was a major issue for the team in 2020. The Falcons ranked near the bottom of the league in turnover margin, as they struggled to create turnovers on defense and protect the ball on offense. With the addition of Dean Pees, who has a reputation for creating turnovers on defense, the Falcons will look to improve in this area and give their offense more opportunities to score.

Overall, the Falcons have a busy offseason ahead as they look to improve upon their 2020 season and make a run at the playoffs in the upcoming year. With several key decisions to be made regarding their roster and positions of need to address, the team will need to work diligently in the coming months in order to position themselves for success in the upcoming season. With a new coaching staff in place and a renewed sense of determination, the Falcons are poised to make a strong push towards the playoffs in 2021.

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Source: Yahoo Entertainment