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Team of the Aged

by SemperI | 6 years ago | 0 Comments

TEAM OF THE AGED

While the Atlanta Falcons had a lot of success last year, they cannot be expected to replicate this under new management.  Even the best of teams have had difficulty transitioning to a new coach or front office.  This is compounded by the fact that many of the talent around Atlanta is beginning to grow long in the tooth. With that in mind I set out to assess where the Atlanta Falcons of 2019 should look to improve or reverse time with younger players.  

The average age for the Falcons offensive line is 30 and they aren’t getting any younger.  The “General” Alex Mack 33 years old and 3 years left on contract has been the staple of the Falcons Line.  His interior partner Andy Levitre is also working on 33 and has failed to fulfill expectations.  With little to no depth behind their veteran line, look for the Falcons to get younger through the draft or free agency this off-season.   

 

Arguably one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league in recent memory may have their best years behind them.  Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu will be crossing that all important precipice of age 30 years old this year.  Historically, there is a gradual decline in athleticism and productivity between 29-34 years old, so we may need to start looking at adding depth.  The emergence of Calvin Ridley should help during the transition but the Falcons can’t make the same mistake they did with Julio Jones, refusing to sign a WR2 during his peak years.  Look for the Falcons to pick up another WR in the mid rounds to groom into something great.

 

Another aging Tandem in Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford with the latter being more on the backside of the hill.  Desmond Trufant was signed to a long term contract and will likely retire a Falcon one day.  Robert Alford on the other hand has 3 years left on a very expensive contract and will likely decline in production relatively soon.  The Falcons won’t be able to unload his contract but will need to look for depth soon.  Look for Isaiah Oliver to get an increased role in the secondary in order to assess his skill level and potential for growth in his 2nd year.

Honorable Mention: 

 

 

The Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Corps has 1 standout among mediocre role players.  With the trade of De’Vondre Campbell the Falcon Linebacker Corps has been left with only one player worth mentioning.  Deion Jones needs some support and the Falcons should look to pick up a strong right or left outside linebacker to assist.