FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – It's here. Training camp is here. And can I just say? Thank God.
It's been a long offseason, y'all. This team has shifted and evolved in multiple areas, and we finally have an opportunity to see those key moves in action as the preseason arrives.
With camp comes questions. So, with players set to arrive at the Falcons' facility Wednesday morning, here is one burning question for each position group.
Quarterback: How much of Kirk Cousins will we actually see in training camp and the preseason?
As we all know, Cousins is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury. His stated goal was to be 100% by the start of training camp. Well, here we are. However, just because someone is cleared for full participation doesn't mean we will see them get the full-go treatment. There's not a chance for Cousins to really see a dirty pocket until preseason games, and yet, there's a good chance the Falcons feel confident enough in Cousins to not even put him out there during those games. Why risk it with the 12-year veteran? Instead, the plan could be to give Taylor Heinicke and Michael Penix Jr. the reps. If that's the case, what can we glean from Cousins' command of the huddle in practice? How do we evaluate what we can see in, let's say, joint practices with Miami? When it comes to Cousins, that's where our priorities should lie.
Running back: What type of jump could Bijan Robinson make from Year 1 to Year 2?
Robinson is a special talent. Everyone understands this. What we are still in the process of understanding, though, is how his role will continue to evolve in a new offense. It shouldn't change too drastically. As Raheem Morris said during OTAs, the plan should always be to get the ball in the hands of Robinson in as many advantageous situations as possible. That's the goal. So, what does the execution look like and how do we see it manifest in camp?
Wide receiver: Who will emerge as WR3?
As long as Drake London is full-go, the Falcons will continue to rely on him as WR1. They've found a solid WR2 option in Darnell Mooney. So, that leaves the third receiver spot to fill. What's interesting about this is the Falcons have options, and who their WR3 is can depend on the offensive looks they're giving. Ray-Ray McCloud, Rondale Moore and KhaDarel Hodge are all veteran options with differing abilities. Could Casey Washington make a splash with the opportunities he gets in camp? Ultimately, who will establish themselves as having a good relationship with Cousins, and thus be a primary contributor out of the room? Training camp should be a breeding ground for answers at receiver.
Tight end: How quickly will we see the effects of a healthy Kyle Pitts?
It goes without saying this is a huge year for Pitts. He has a quarterback who's known for his accuracy throwing to him. He's back to 100% from a health standpoint. He's got nothing but good vibes and opportunities in front of him. And that should scare opposing defenses as much as it should thrill the Falcons faithful. How close can Pitts be to his rookie-year self? How does that help the Falcons offense? Will we see it soon?
Offensive line: With an entire front returning, what steps can the group take in pass protection?
This offensive line's bread and butter is run blocking. You only have to look at the stats to see that. The question about this group and its effectiveness lies in pass protection. Nothing against Cousins, but he would probably be the first to say mobility is not his own bread and butter. So, how much time can this front give him in the pocket? Without going 100% in camp and the preseason, will this group be ready to go against an aggressive Pittsburgh defensive front in Week 1? The fact that all five remain intact from one year to the next should bode well.
Defensive line: What is Grady Jarrett's timeline for return?
Like Cousins, the expectation for Jarrett's return should be tapered. He, too, is coming off a season-ending injury. He, too, said the goal was to be 100% by the start of camp. He, too, will likely be limited for much of it. And that's OK. Keeping Jarrett fresh for Week 1 should be the priority. So, even not at 100%, what impact can Jarrett have just by being back out on the field again?
Edge rusher/Outside linebacker: Can Arnold Ebiketie become the bell cow of the group?
The Falcons didn't really address the edge rusher position too much this offseason – to the surprise of many. However, this may lend itself to showing how much conviction the Falcons have in the development of someone like Ebiketie, who enters into Year 3. Without Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell in the room, Ebiketie steps into a new role with new expectations. Does he take this opportunity by the horns?
Inside linebacker: How will Troy Andersen's return affect Nate Landman?
Andersen has flashed here and there since joining the league two years ago. But the limited starting looks his rookie season combined with a shortened second season due to injury has left us with more questions about Andersen than answers. This year could help provide a little clarity, if he remains healthy. But with clarity on Andersen comes questions about someone else entirely: Landman. The former undrafted free agent stepped into Andersen's vacated starting spot in 2023 and far surpassed expectations. So, with Andersen fully back, what does this mean for Landman's role in this defense?
Cornerback: Who will start opposite A.J. Terrell?
This is the biggest plot point of training camp. It's the most significant position battle. Mike Hughes vs. Clark Phillips III. Who establishes themselves as Terrell's running mate? And how quickly will we know? Oh, and is it even between these two? Is there someone else who could emerge?
Safety: How significant is the battle for the second safety spot?
A sleeper position battle that one shouldn't overlook is between Richie Grant and DeMarcco Hellams. Both received reps alongside Jessie Bates III in OTAs. Does the offense's alignment and personnel dictate this assignment? Or will the Falcons settle on a starter, outright? Who could it be if so?
Special teams: How quickly can Avery Williams return to form? Make an impact?
The Falcons return their key special team players in the trio of specialists: Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion and Liam McCullough. There are no questions there. But when it comes to a return man? Yeah, there are a few questions that linger. Namely, how Williams returns from an injury that kept him off the field for a year. He led the league in average punt return yards by a large margin when last healthy in 2022. Can he get back to the top?
