Atlanta Falcons 2019 NFL Training Camp Preview

Rise up! Every time I hear that I just die laughing. The poor Atlanta Falcons thought they were really on to something. Those hopes died the second Kyle Shanahan left. Matt Ryan hasn’t been the same. Dan Quinn continues to coach but not do anything. His defense is always sub-par at best. Now clown Dirk Koetter is in charge of the offense again. Hey, good luck guys! What else should we monitor as the Atlanta Falcons open up camp?

3 Position Battles To Watch?

Guard: James Carpenter, Jamon Brown, Sean Harlow

The Falcons have tried their very best to overhaul this offensive line. With Matt Ryan’s lack of mobility and age, it’s probably a good idea to do so. Those names above aren’t world beaters but one of them will have to start.

Defensive Tackle: Deadrin Senat, Jack Crawford, Ra’Shede Hageman, Tyeler Davidson

Grady Jarrett got big money. It was well deserved. His running mate still needs to be competent going forward. Deadrin Senat was more of a rotational piece as a rookie. He needs to start in 2019. If not, former Cowboy, Jack Crawford or former Saint, Tyeler Davidson has to step up. Neither were full-time starters with their previous employer. It’s also fiar to give up on that bum Hageman. Lazy and terrible is the only way to describe him.

Safety: Ricardo Allen, Damontae Kazee

The Falcons were decimated by injury in 2018. Both starting safeties, Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen were lost with seasonending injuries. Damontae Kazee stepped up admirably. So much so that Allen’s job may actually be in jeopardy. Kazee had 7 interceptions a year ago. Are you really going to tell that guy to take a seat on the bench? I’m not doing that.

Ready To Breakout: Takk McKinley

It’s time for Takk McKinley to become a double–digit sack guy. I’m still waiting for it. Atlanta really has only used him as a situational pass rusher. I need more Takk. There’s no excuse. 7 sacks is good but I need more. Year 3 is a big one for any player. This is the year McKinley takes the leap.

Rookie To Watch: Chris Lindstrom – Kaleb McGary

I already mentioned the offensive line. These are the two guys to watch. Atlanta went offensive line in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft twice. The right side of the offensive line should theoretically be taken care of. These two guys better deliver. The window to win is now.

Fantasy Sleeper: Ito Smith

Devonta Freeman is done. I don’t see him having much left in the tank. He was a shell of himself in 2018 and battled injuries all year. I’m still not convinced we would think he was good without Kyle Shanahan. Ito Smith showed some promise as a rookie. Okay, maybe that was too aggressive. 3.5 yards per carry is unacceptable. At least Ito is younger! I talked myself right on to the ledge with this one. Nevermind.