Bair Mail: On Mike Davis, the Falcons big-picture plan, Calvin Ridley and cranking up pass rush

Your questions get answers -- from Tori and Scott! -- in Monday's mailbag

Nov 15, 2021 at 02:45 PM

And we're on to New England.

That sentence was written for two reasons: 1. As an ode to Bill Belichick, who is bringing the red-hot Patriots to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday night. 2. It’s a mandatory action after the disastrous showing in Dallas, with another game a few days away.

Y'all seem to agree with that logic. It's clear from the mailbag submissions that fixing problems moving forward is more important that rehashing the negatives that took place at AT&T Stadium.

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And…big surprise! This isn't just a Bair Mail It's McElhaney Mail, too. Tori's going to chime in an answer two of your questions on this fine Monday.

Let's get right to them, right now. I'm up first:

Keyon Peace from Houston

This is my first time writing in. How are you? Matt Ryan will get a lot of undeserved the blame for that game but maybe it's time to let Wayne get more opportunities in the backfield with Davis struggling? The key to a successful offense is a decent run game and with the offensive line struggles, why not try more screens and check downs? Every play doesn't have to go for 10+.

Bair: Thanks for joining in, Keyon. Appreciate the question. It's a fair one. The running game is not performing well enough to this point, with inefficiency throughout the operation. We can clearly look at Mike Davis’ yards per carry and point the finger squarely at him, but that's trying to identify a simple solution to a complex problem.

It's not just a running back issue. It's an offensive line issue as well. You can see that in the fact that Davis' yards per carry (3.3) are so close to his yards per carry after contact (2.68). He's getting early in his runs, and then fighting for every inch. Patterson's numbers are a little better thanks to some explosive runs, but the ground game hasn't been up to par. I'm not sure Wayne Gallman's the answer. He has been here a long time now, with precious few opportunities to show for it. He has to earn those in practice.

As you pointed out, a good short passing game can be an effective rushing substitute if done right, and that's an option that has worked well for the Falcons at times. We could see more of that, but I think Arthur Smith is right to stay committed to the run.

Spencer Lee from Athens, Ga.

I feel like most people knew that the new regime wasn't going to magically turn this team into a top contender in year one, but it seems like the soonest the Falcons could contend would maybe be in 2023 given the current lack of talent and the cap situation that is going to remain tight until at least then. Do you think it will take that long for the team to turn it all the way around and with the situation they inherited when is it fair to give an evaluation on this regime? (Also if Tori is reading this one Go Dawgs!)

McElhaney: Hi Spencer! Thanks for the question (and shoot yeah, go dawgs, man).

Goodness I could spend 1,000 words answering your question alone. But I have been told by Scott that I am not allowed to use his mailbag for my rants so I'll try to keep this short.

I personally think it's going to take time, and I tend to agree with you that it'll be 2023, or even 2024. But as I write that there are a bunch of variables in my head about even trying to predict that year.

Matt Ryan's contract - and what the Falcons decide to do at the QB position long term - plays a big part in where the Falcons go in the future. I tend to think it's a safe bet to make that Ryan is here for the duration of his contract. I just don't know how you shake his cap hit. So, in the meantime, you sure up the defense. I think that's where you put your focus throughout the next two years' draft classes/free agency. I think this unit has a long way to go. And to get it where Dean Pees wants it to be is going to take a couple years and quite a bit of turnover.

There's also something to be said about the level of talent in the wide receivers room without Calvin Ridley. Sure, Kyle Pitts' is going to continue to do big things for the Falcons, but there needs to be more offensive weapons sprinkled throughout. Even though Cordarrelle Patterson said last week he'd love to stay in Atlanta, there's no guarantee he will - or can - stay. So, there could be a bit of offensive turnover in the next two years, too.

And where does that leave us? With a lot of roster movement over the course of the next - roughly - two years to get the cap where the Falcons can be big time players in free agency. Until then, draft picks will be worth their weight in gold for this organization until - likely - 2023.

(Dang. I wrote more than I wanted to. Scott is never going to let me answer another mailbag question again).

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Daren Bates #53 is seen on the sideline prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 reacts after forcing a fumble during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #3 reacts after a tackle during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Daren Bates #53 makes a tackle during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett #97 reacts after a tackle for loss during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Steffenie Burns/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Josh Rosen #16 looks to pass during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Wayne Gallman #25 rushes during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 rushes during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 forces a fumble during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 reacts after recovering a fumble during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Steffenie Burns/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Steffenie Burns/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is seen on the sideline during the second half of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams #35 returns a kick during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 recovers a fumble during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams #35 is seen on the sideline during the second half of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Wayne Gallman #25 runs after catching a pass during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 during the first half of a game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. #6 and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb #88 have words during the first half of a game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to take a snap during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 defends against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb #88 during the first half of a game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons free safety Erik Harris #23 and inside linebacker Deion Jones #45 make a tackle during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 lines up during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett #97 rushes the passer during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 reacts after catching a pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons fans are seen in attendance prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams #35 defends against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb #88 during the first half of a game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 is tackled after catching a pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett #97 makes a tackle for a loss during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett #97 celebrates after a tackle for a loss during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 lines up during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 lines up during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 attempts to catch a pass during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates with teammates after kicking a field goal during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs after catching a pass during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 is seen on the sideline prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 is seen on the sideline prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 takes the field prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63 warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is seen on teh field prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 is seen on the sideline prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons players are seen on the bench prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Deion Jones #45 and #92 and defensive tackle Deadrin Senat #94 are seen on the field prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 plays catch with a fan prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 is seen on teh field prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji #92 and defensive tackle Deadrin Senat #94 are seen on the field prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)