The Atlanta Falcons launch a new era on Sunday versus the Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Falcons will look much different this year as they come off their third 7-10 season in a row. The organization made huge investments during the offseason. They have spent $253 million in contracts with the majority of it going towards the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract in March. They hope to revamp the offense with Cousins after an underwhelming performance from their former quarterback Desmond Ridder for much of the 2023 season.
Other notable additions include defensive end Matthew Judon, whom the Falcons traded a third-round pick to the Patriots for on Aug. 15. and Safety Justin Simmons, who was signed as a free agent on the same day.
New head coach Raheem Morris will be looking to make a statement in a matchup against Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, as well as previous Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, who now serves as the offensive coordinator for the Steelers. Morris was defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams for the last three years, bringing with him to Atlanta Zac Robinson and Jimmy Lake as his defensive and offensive coordinator, respectively.
Despite the struggles he faced during his head coaching tenure in Atlanta, Smith is still a competent play-caller on offense. Chances are he’ll be trying to prove something against his former team as well.
Despite all these changes for the Falcons, there will be plenty of familiar faces around for week one. On the offensive side of the ball, running back Bijan Robinson will be the main ball carrier with fellow running back Tyler Allgeier providing support. Expect star wide receiver Drake London to remain the number-one target in the passing game. Tight end Kyle Pitts is expected to have an increased role as well.
On the defensive side of things, safety Jessie Bates III will be coming back off a career-high six-interception season, with the hopes of keeping that momentum going alongside cornerback AJ Terrell. On the defensive line, Grady Jarett returns, entering his tenth year with the Falcons.
The Falcons’ offense will be put to the test as they face a Steelers defense featuring stars like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, two Pro Bowl-caliber players among the best in the league at their positions. Watt led the league in sacks for the 2023 season, putting opposing QBs on the ground 19 times.
What sort of threat the Steelers’ offense poses remains to be seen. They’ll have a new starting quarterback themselves in Russell Wilson, coming off a rough season in Denver that ended with him being released in March. Kennesaw native and former Bears quarterback Justin Fields, the Steelers’ backup, has explosive play-making potential and could get some playtime if Wilson doesn’t meet expectations.
Eyes are always on quarterbacks no matter what point of the season it is, but special attention should be paid to them this week. Wilson has a lot to prove on his new team, and Cousins is fresh off a torn Achilles from the middle of last season, though he said he’s healthy and ready to go back in May on the Dan Patrick Show. We’ll at least get an idea of what each of the aging signal callers is still capable of when they take the field on Sunday.
The Falcons will face off against the Steelers in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Sep. 8, 2024, at 1 p.m. EST.
