Key Takeaways:
– Atlanta Falcons have signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr. during the offseason.
– ESPN’s Matt Bowen considers free agent Steven Nelson as the best fit for the Falcons.
– The Falcons are preparing with a zone-heavy defense tactic under head coach Raheem Morris.
– Kirk Cousins will be the lead quarterback, with Penix being groomed for the future.
The Atlanta Falcons have experienced significant off-season upgrades with key additions like Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. Among the remaining unsigned impact players, an ESPN analyst now deems former third-round pick, Steven Nelson, to be the best fit for the Falcons.
A High-Profile Offseason for the Falcons
This year, the Falcons primarily focused on reinforcing their offensive front line. The hiring of Raheem Morris as their new head coach was a significant addition to their coaching staff. Morris served as the interim coach for the Falcons in 2020 and has recent experience as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Appointing him as head coach underlines the Falcon’s dedication to solidifying their defensive game plan.
Steven Nelson Fitting into Morris’ Defense
The 47-year-old Morris, acclaimed for leading the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning defense as its coordinator in the 2021 season, will likely adopt a zone-heavy strategy in 2024 – a tactic that perfectly suits Nelson’s style according to ESPN’s Matt Bowen.
In Houston last season, Nelson tied a career high with four interceptions and logged seven pass breakups. His ability to read the quarterback from the inside has made him a strong player in zone-heavy defenses. Back in 2023, Morris’s unit with the Rams played zone coverage on 60.1% of opponent dropbacks. Thus, including Nelson in their roster will give the Falcons an increased competitive edge.
Over the course of his nine-season career in the NFL, Nelson has started 115 of his 130 games, gaining 13 interceptions and a whopping 374 tackles. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, he later moved on to spend a couple of seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Houston Texans.
Falcons’ Strategic Offseason Moves
The Falcons’ bidding for Cousins, which resulted in a four-year, $180 million contract, struck many as a significant move. Cousins’ impressive track-record with the Minnesota Vikings and two Playoff appearances have made him an invaluable asset for the Falcons.
Despite Cousins’ high-profile status, the Falcons surprised NFL pundits by drafting another quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., with their first-round pick. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot clarified that this decision focused on the future, noting the team’s excitement for their ‘quarterback room’.
Morris reiterated this sentiment at a post-draft press conference, stating that drafting Penix was about preparing for the future and maximizing their potential success in the coming season.
Despite these significant off-season moves, critics have pointed out that the Falcons have been relatively quiet in terms of defense reinforcement. The potential inclusion of Steven Nelson could significantly strengthen their defensive game, making this a potential game-changing move for the Falcons’ upcoming season.