Six Practices In: Evaluating The Atlanta Falcons' Progress

David

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Post on Aug 06, 2025

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Six Key Practices for Evaluating the Atlanta Falcons' Progress

The Atlanta Falcons are entering a crucial phase, and evaluating their progress requires a nuanced approach beyond simply looking at wins and losses. This season will be pivotal in determining the success of their rebuild. To accurately assess the team's trajectory, we need to go beyond the headlines and examine specific performance indicators. This article will outline six key practices for objectively evaluating the Atlanta Falcons' progress in 2023 and beyond.

1. Assessing Offensive Line Development: The Falcons' offensive line has been a point of concern for years. This season, the team's success hinges significantly on the improvement and consistency of this unit. We need to look beyond simple sack numbers. Key metrics include:

• Pass Blocking Efficiency (PBE): A comprehensive measure of pass protection effectiveness.
• Run Blocking Efficiency (RBE): Crucial for establishing the run game and controlling the clock.
• Pressure Rate Allowed: A direct indicator of the offensive line's ability to keep the quarterback clean.

Analyzing these metrics provides a more detailed picture of the offensive line's development than simply observing individual game performances. Are they consistently winning their matchups? Are they creating running lanes effectively? These are crucial questions to answer.

2. Evaluating Desmond Ridder's Growth: The quarterback position is paramount. Desmond Ridder's performance will directly correlate to the team's success. Focusing solely on his touchdown-to-interception ratio is insufficient. Instead, we should analyze:

• Completion Percentage under Pressure: How effectively does he perform when facing pressure?
• Pocket Awareness and Decision-Making: Does he make smart decisions, avoid turnovers, and extend plays?
• Progression Through Reads: Does he consistently go through his progressions before resorting to scrambling?

Tracking these elements provides a clearer understanding of Ridder's growth and whether he's developing into a franchise quarterback.

3. Monitoring the Impact of Free Agency and the Draft: The Falcons made significant moves in free agency and the NFL draft. Monitoring the performance of these additions is vital. We need to analyze:

• Production of key free agent signings: Are they living up to expectations and contributing significantly?
• Rookie development and contribution: Are the drafted players adapting to the NFL level and showing potential?
• Overall roster depth: How improved is the team's depth across all positions?

Analyzing these aspects reveals whether the team's investments are paying off.

4. Analyzing Defensive Improvements: The defensive side of the ball needs substantial improvement. Evaluating their progress requires looking beyond total yards allowed. We need to see:

• Third-down conversion rate allowed: Stopping opponents on third down is crucial for winning games.
• Red zone efficiency: How effectively are they limiting touchdowns in scoring situations?
• Turnover creation: Generating turnovers leads to better field position and scoring opportunities.

These metrics highlight the defensive unit's ability to create game-changing plays and control the flow of the game.

5. Assessing Coaching Effectiveness: Arthur Smith's coaching decisions and in-game adjustments will significantly impact the team’s performance. We need to assess:

• Game planning and strategy: Are they effectively adapting their game plans to opponents?
• Player development and utilization: Are they getting the most out of their players' talents?
• In-game adjustments and decision-making: How effective are their adjustments based on game flow?

6. Analyzing Special Teams Consistency: Often overlooked, special teams can significantly influence game outcomes. Evaluating special teams performance involves analyzing:

• Field goal percentage: How consistently are they converting field goals?
• Punt and kickoff returns: How effective are they in gaining field position?
• Coverage units: How effectively are they limiting opponent returns?

By employing these six key practices, fans and analysts can develop a more informed and objective assessment of the Atlanta Falcons' progress. Remember, evaluating a football team is a complex process that requires considering many factors beyond just wins and losses. This approach provides a more realistic and comprehensive evaluation of the team's trajectory. What are your thoughts on the Falcons' progress so far this season? Share your perspectives in the comments below!