Why Atlanta Falcons Fans Should Ignore Negative Offseason Ratings

The Atlanta Falcons’ offseason ratings have been far from good in the NFL media. The reasoning is consistent with the draft pick of Michael Penix Jr. and the signing of Kirk Cousins ​​listed as reasons why Atlanta’s offseason is being viewed so harshly.

It’s more than fair that the Falcons got Penix and signed Cousins ​​for top dollar on a four-year deal. It’s easy to criticize this and it’s the only clear solution until we see what Penix is ​​capable of becoming. Signing a quarterback in Kirk Cousins ​​to a four-year deal and signing a top ten rookie quarterback knowing he has no chance of starting is a huge step.

One that will only age well for the front office if the rookie quarterback proves to be a long-term franchise option. Any other outcome would be a failure and a terrible decision for a front office that was afraid of reliving the last two seasons.

With all of that in mind, what these grades ignore is what a great offseason Atlanta had despite this possible mistake. Getting rid of Arthur Smith and Desmond Ridder in exchange for Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins ​​changes the team’s outlook and attitude.

Atlanta found a way to add value by trading Desmond Ridder and adding depth at receiver. Atlanta gets Grady Jarrett, Troy Andersen and Avery Williams healthy after losing all three players for all or most of the 2023 season.

The Falcons finally have an exciting young OC in Zac Robinson who will regularly hand the ball to Atlanta’s young stars. Atlanta’s decisions at quarterback lose all of that in what is by far the most interesting story.

In a quarterback-driven league, it’s much more interesting to talk about possible quarterback controversy and why the Falcons are going in the wrong direction because of it. The idea of ​​where Cousins ​​could land if Penix proves capable sooner than expected. These are the stories that are most likely to generate interest and make headlines.

While this is more than fair and what Atlanta has set out to achieve, it continues to ignore the bigger picture. The Falcons have greatly improved at the two most important positions for your franchise’s head coach and quarterback. Add in the depth at receiver and a new OC and there’s every reason to still be very optimistic about the direction this team is headed, no matter what the offseason grades might say.