The Falcoholic
Training camp has arrived in Atlanta, as the pressure begins to intensify, with a revamped defense seeking difference makers and a solidified offense aiming to be more prolific.
For the third consecutive season, the Atlanta Falcons enter training camp with high expectations. The journey toward the playoffs continues following two disappointing seasons where the opportunity was there for the taking. Unlike the previous two years, there is more stability with an offense returning all starters except at center. It also helps when the coaching staff remains firmly intact on the offensive side of the ball.
The total opposite has taken place defensively, which is understandable given the woeful play across the unit in 2024. A total revamp was necessary, adding much-needed youth to an aging defense. There is still an enormous amount that needs to be answered defensively, as the offense gels with who they envision as the next great quarterback in Atlanta.
Aaron Freeman joins me for the start of another season of roundtable discussions by analyzing defensive personnel, potential skill position players emerging behind the primary playmakers, and offensive schematic improvements.
Aaron Freeman: Yes, Deablo will be the definitive every-down starter next to Elliss. But that doesn’t mean Andersen won’t also play significant snaps. He’ll likely be the front-runner to earn snaps as the third linebacker in the team’s 4-3 base defense.
The Falcons didn’t pay Deablo $14 million over two years to come in and compete for a starting spot. His price tag is comparable to that spent on Elliss in 2023, and Deablo will be trusted to provide the speed, athleticism, and coverage ability that Andersen once promised, but couldn’t deliver due to his lack of availability over the past two seasons.
As for Andersen, if he can stay healthy this year, his athleticism can add value as a part-time third linebacker. The Falcons dabbled with Andersen playing in some 4-3 looks in their second matchup against the New Orleans Saints for a half-dozen plays. But the Falcons can no longer expect or ask him to be anything more than a part-time player at this point, given his extensive injury history. Hopefully, with the pressure off him, he can go out and have his best summer yet. But even if that happens, Deablo is the one you trust to remain atop the depth chart.
Allen Strk: When Morris spoke about Deablo being capable of handling green dot responsibilities, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that he would earn his place in the starting lineup. The starting experience combined with the athletic traits is what the defense needs going into a critical season where they are integrating several young players into a revamped defense.
The opportunity to play more base could be greatly beneficial for a defense that struggled to stop the run last season. Fewer light boxes with more athleticism at the...
