The Falcoholic
Following the departure of a franchise all-time great and several under-the-radar signings, Atlanta is in a period of rationalization after a chaotic last year.
After two eventful offseasons, the Atlanta Falcons were bound to have a more subdued year off the field. With limited cap room and key decisions needing to be made, they had to take a step back in free agency. It has left us entering the roundtable with questions about some signings and how the front office manages two notable situations in the trenches.
Tre’Shon Diaz and Kevin Knight join me for the latest discussion. Despite the lack of excitement surrounding the offseason, some moves will shape how the team fares in the fall. As the defense remains the primary focal point, a new uncertainty has emerged within the offensive line.
This is the second offseason roundtable discussion. The previous edition was published last month.
Tre’Shon Diaz: Floyd has always been a reliable complementary edge rusher. The former Georgia Bulldog has had great success in the second or third edge rushing role throughout his career. He can’t be counted on to carry this team’s pass rush, but he should be able to finish pressures generated by others at a higher rate than Matthew Judon or Lorenzo Carter. The 2024 defense failed to capitalize on its pressures, leading to quarterbacks extending plays and drives. Floyd has always been able to capitalize on his teammates’ efforts.
If Atlanta wants to maximize this addition, it’ll add another high-caliber pass rusher to the room. Floyd isn’t much help on run-downs, and the defense still needs a long-term edge defender to build around. I’m hoping Floyd can have a Calais Campbell-esque performance and give the pass rush some reliable support.
Kevin Knight: Floyd would ideally be a good third edge rusher and pass rush specialist at this stage in his career. In Atlanta, he might have to be a starter. You could do worse, but given his age, it would be best for him to be on a snap count.
Floyd is still a productive rusher and very good finisher, but he’s not capable of carrying a pass rush. His addition is a good start, but Atlanta needs a lot more.
Allen Strk: Floyd will make his share of splash plays that will ignite the defense. That is a valuable trait, as defenses have become more complex in their pressure designs over the past few seasons. Some edge rushers can create but struggle to finish. Others struggle to generate pressure consistently but have a savvy knack for finishing. Floyd’s familiarity with Morris from being in Los Angeles can only boost his chances of being productive.
As long as expectations are tempered and Floyd can win his share of one-on-one matchups, he can thrive as an ideal second-edge rusher. He could be even more effective as a situational third edge rusher if Arnold Ebiketie continues to expand...
