The Falcoholic
When a team is performing well shy of expectations, most of the attention will be focused on the most prominent players and coaching staff. The losses are assessed to identify specific patterns and trends to explain why a team is playing poorly. What should be given more recognition is how the roster is built going into the season. How did the coaching staff assemble a team to put them in the best position to win games? When injuries and other issues arose, what adjustments were made to find ideal solutions?
There are two glaring positional groups that the Falcons have mishandled this season. The wide receiver position is being carried on Drake London’s back. From failing to take stronger action in responding to a brutal training camp injury to releasing a locker room favorite and firing a coach without any clear reason, the passing game is significantly limited. Not signing or drafting a nose tackle has left an undersized defensive front overmatched in numerous games. Considering how many teams are committing to running the ball more consistently, the organization should have done more to be well-equipped up front.
It’s difficult to envision either positional group greatly improving. Every roster has its flaws. Those weaknesses are compounded when the coaching staff doesn’t make the necessary adjustments when problems emerge. They found some success inserting Ronnie Harrison Jr. into the rotation to reduce JD Bertrand’s snaps. To make a wise move like that, but not attempt to make personnel changes at wide receiver or defensive tackle, puts the Falcons in a precarious position. Here’s how the offseason roster construction and in-season management went wrong in both areas.
It’s rare for a team not to make any personnel moves on one side of the ball during the offseason. While the front office had to invest heavily in revamping the defense, good units look to see how they can build on their previous success. The only notable change the Falcons made was forced with the departure of Drew Dalman. Ryan Neuzil has been adequate in replacing him, but there is a drop-off at the center position, particularly with Neuzil’s inability to make blocks at the second level consistently. The real personnel blunder is the team’s mishandling of its wide receiver corps.
Relying on London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud was completely understandable after last season’s impressive productivity. All three players were coming off career years. The failure to adjust following what has transpired with Mooney and McCloud has severely constrained the passing game. They didn’t have any credible plan to replace McCloud after his abrupt release. It wasn’t the first unexpected major decision at the position, with wide receiver coach Ike Hillard fired after the team’s humiliating defeat against Carolina. To let go of two major figures at the position within the first two months of the season is indicative of the franchise’s instability.
Most teams can’t just replace 62 catches gone in the middle of the season....
