The 2019 season was a confusing season for Falcons fans, the first half of the season seemed to be a disaster with a 1-7 record. Things were not looking good until the Falcons played the Saints in New Orleans and came home with an unexpected win. The Falcons started to look like a different team with changes on the coaching staff as Raheem Morris stepped up as defensive coordinator the team began to improve finishing the remainder of the season with a 6-2 record.
Though the improvements during the second half of the season were impressive sadly it was a little too late for the Falcons and a lot of people were in the hot seat including head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff; which is why the major moves the team has made during free agency has not been surprising. Everyone in the organization knows this will be a make or break season for many.
Many NFL bloggers and sports reporters have given positive reviews on the Falcons free agency pickups and I would have to agree. With a small budget, the Falcons have been impressive with the deals they have made. Though the team had to cut ties with a few players Devonta Freeman, Desmond Trufant and Austin Hooper to name a few I think the team will come together well with these new weapons.
- Hayden Hurst
It was not a secret that the Falcons more than likely weren’t going to bring Austin Hooper back for another season and it may have been upsetting to many because Hooper was such a key player to the offense and always a great target for Matt Ryan. With Hooper going to Cleveland the Falcons wasted no time finding another tight end by trading a 2nd round pick with the Baltimore Ravens for Hurst; Last season Hurst had thirty receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns. I believe that Hurst’s stats will improve in Atlanta based on our offense and how Ryan utilizes his tight ends.
2. Dante Fowler
I think this was a trade that made Falcons fans pay attention, this was a great decision by the Falcons especially Dan Quinn; Fowler and Quinn have a strong connection from their days at the University of Florida where Dan Quinn was his defensive coordinator. So even though Quinn is no longer the DC for the Falcons this connection can be beneficial. Fowler will bring a new force to the Falcons linebacker crew especially with the departure of Vic Beasley. In 2019 Fowler had 58 combo tackles, 18 ast tackles and 11.5 sacks; this is something Atlanta needs on defense and fans can’t wait to see on the field.
3. Todd Gurley
I can say there were mixed feelings on this trade, some were reluctant for Gurley to become a Falcon because of a history of injuries and others (especially Georgia Bulldog fans) were happy to welcome Gurley back and are excited about the explosiveness he will bring to the field. Regardless if you agree or disagree with the trade even Gurley’s down season stats are still good with 857 yards and twelve touchdowns. Like a lot of people, I believe Gurley still has a lot of great football left to play and what better place to play it than in Georgia his second home.
With the NFL draft upon us the Falcons still have more moves to make to complete their 2020 roster as well as mini-camps and training camp this summer, so be sure to follow us on twitter @thewolfsports for updates on all of these events and what’s to come from the Atlanta Falcons.
Photo Credit: IG: @tg4hunnid
Kayla is the Assistant Sport Director for the wolf sports, as well as a co-host on Urban Kulture you can follow the show on twitter @urbankultureuwg 
