NFL Power Rankings 2020 preseason: Where do LA Rams fall?

Team 26 – Atlanta Falcons (7-9)

Some have rated the Atlanta Falcons as high as playoff contenders this year. I don’t see it. Yes, the Falcons picked up two players off the LA Rams roster in running back Todd Gurley and outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.  It remains to be seen how well either will do on a new roster with the new coaching staff.

2019 summary

The Atlanta Falcons felt they were close enough in 2019 to warrant becoming a major player in the 2020 NFL Free Agency market. But this team has a feel of just the 2020’s version of the 2019 Cleveland Browns, a team trying too hard to buy a playoff berth.

Players lost

The Falcons parted ways with TE Austin Hooper, CB Desmond Trufant, OG Wes Schweitzer, DE Vic Beasley, DE Adrian Clayburn, OLB De’Vondre Campbell, OT Ty Sambrallo, and DT Jack Crawford. An additional 14 players have not signed elsewhere.

Players added

The Falcons welcomed two former LA Rams, OLB Dante Fowler Jr., and RB Todd Gurley. They will be joined by rookies CB A.J. Terrell, Edge Marlon Davidson, C Matt Hennessy, and LB Mykal Walker.

2020 outlook

As long as the Falcons boast QB Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, they can win some games. But the team seemed to have lost more talent than added in 2020 so far, particularly in the context of so many new additions arrive with little opportunity to familiarize themselves with their teammates or coaching staff personally as of yet. I see a team in reverse, unfortunately. Perhaps a 5-11 season? Certainly not better than .500.