FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Falcons are 2-2 and begin a short week of preparation to host Tampa Bay at home this Thursday night. The Falcons are 1-1 in prime-time slots so far this year, and can tip the scale one way or the other until they're back in prime time again in December. Until then, though, you've got questions and I've got answers.
So, let's dive into those questions.
Oh! Also, don't forget to submit your questions here to be featured in one of the coming editions of The Mailbox.
As a programming note: Normally, we run two Mailboxes per week, one on Tuesday and one on Friday. But with the Falcons playing on Thursday night this week we will have a lot of game recap content for you Friday. So, our next Mailbox will hit your feeds next Tuesday. Which means you have even longer to concoct the very best question. Happy asking!
David H. from Marshalltown, Iowa
Our draft picks have been inconsequential this season. Michael Penix won't see the field unless there is an injury. Second-rounder Ruke Orhorhoro is inactive, third-round pick Bralen Trice is out for season. Fourth-rounder Brandon Dorlus is inactive. Sixth-round picks Jace McClellan, Casey Washington, and Zion Logue haven't seen any action either. The only draft pick to see any game play, which has been very minimal, has been JD Bertrand from the fifth round.
While we are a quarter of the way into the season, is this by design or is this a concern?
Tori: This is by design. I know people are viewing this as a bad thing, but I actually don't think it is at all. In fact, I think its a sign of roster health.
The first two years of Terry Fontenot's tenure as general manager was marred with inherited salary cap issues. A lot of what the front office had to do in those two years was get the cap out of the red. That meant they couldn't make any big-time moves in free agency. They had to heavily rely on their draft picks over those two years to play and play early. It was a lot of trial by fire in those years for first-time players. Some really shined (Tyler Allgeier, Avery Williams, Drew Dalman) while others didn't (Jalen Mayfield, Darren Hall, Desmond Ridder). That is no longer the case in Atlanta because of the money that has been poured into the team through free agency.
Because, really, you have to think about it this way: If you were going to play any of these rookies, who are you taking out?
Penix — Kirk Cousins
Orhorhoro — Grady Jarrett
Dorlus — David Onyemata
McClellan — Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier
Washington — Darnell Mooney
Are you willing to take any of these players off the field to throw in a rookie? No. You're not, unless something happens to force your hand, like an injury. But otherwise? Nope.
And again, that's not a bad thing.
I think the one a lot of people are stuck on is Orhorhoro because of where he was taken in the draft. He was a second-round pick the Falcons moved up to draft. Shouldn't he be at least active on game day? At most, a part of the defensive line rotation? But Raheem Morris has been pretty clear that the coaching staff has liked what they have gotten from the six interior linemen they have had up on game day.
I don't think this means we will never see Orhorhoro active or in the rotation at some point. I just think the Falcons are at a good point health-wise where they have to make tough decisions about who will be a healthy scratch. And I do think a lot of people would have felt different had Trice not been injured in the preseason. He would have played meaningful reps for this defense, at least that's how he was trending. So, in theory, if he was healthy, you would have seen Trice in on defense and then guys like Washington and Bertrand on special teams with Penix continuing to back up Cousins. That one change could have made a lot of people feel differently about what the Falcons are getting from their 2024 Draft class.
T.J. T. from Beckley, West Virginia
Do you think the coaches will let Tyler Allgeier play more with the power and vision that he showed against the Saints?
Tori: Make no mistake about it, Allgeier has the hot hand right now. He is coming off a performance in which he averaged 7.5 yards per carry on eight attempts. When he's gotten his chances, he's made the most of them so far in 2024. However, I don't think this means we are going to see the Falcons completely put the offensive production on his shoulders (or legs in this case).
The play of Allgeier works because of his physical running style but also the art of misdirection in the play calls themselves. Don't believe me? Well, I suggest taking a look at my notebook this week. I watched every single one of Allgeier's 20-plus rushing attempts on the year.
But I digress...
I think eight to 10 touches for Allgeier is more in line with how the Falcons want to operate. I think they have slowly been building up to that number, too, seeing as he started with three carries in the Week 1 home opener. The Falcons are not averaging much more than 55 plays a game through four games so you have to take that into account when it comes to how much is dialed up for Allgeier, Bijan Robinson and then all of those options in the Falcons' pass game.
However, Sunday's win against the Saints showed that good things happen when Allgeier gets the ball. So, you have to take that into account. I am not one to think that you go into a game with a rigid plan to give someone the ball. A defense has a say, too, so what are they giving you? The Saints gave up plenty of running room for Allgeier. If that happens again, go back to him. But I don't subscribe to the idea of forcing something that isn't there.
Sierra C. from Nashville, Tennessee via X/Twitter
Hi Tori. First-time caller, long-time reader. Well, I guess long-time listener, too. I love the podcast with Will, Terrin and yourself. I listen to it every Monday morning on my way to work.
I heard this morning that Will asked Terrin which play during the game against the Saints was the most pivotal between the Younghoe Koo kick, Troy Andersen's pick-six and the special teams touchdown.. or something to that effect. I don't think I heard your answer. So, if you had to choose, what would it be?
Tori: It's so difficult for me not to pick either of the special teams play. Heck, a muffed punt recovered for a touchdown and a career-long, game-winning field goal don't happen every day. So, I have to give flowers to the unit that won this team the game Sunday. However, in terms of pivotal moments (which is the criteria you presented to me), I actually think Andersen's pick-six fits that word best.
Before that play, the Saints' offense was operating how they wanted to. Derek Carr was 6 of 6 through the air, and Alvin Kamara had already rushed for about 60 yards. The New Orleans unit had amassed over 100 yards of total offense on 17 plays in the first quarter alone. The Falcons' defense needed a spark. Matthew Judon and Andersen provided that spark.
It proved to be pivotal because of the way the defense came out and played after halftime. They were back to their bend-but-don't-break ways. Yes, the Saints were still moving the ball, but they weren't getting into the end zone. A lot of time elapsed between Taysom Hill's touchdown in the second quarter to the Saints' go-ahead touchdown by Kamara with a minute to go in the game. This allowed the Falcons to stick around long enough for the team to get Koo in field goal range. To me, that pick-six was a pivotal moment for the defense to settle in and get back to its roots.
And in a game where no offensive touchdown was scored by the Falcons, the defense keeping the Saints out of the end zone for a majority of the game after that pick-six proved to be important.
(Also, thank you for listening to the podcast! I love that it is a part of your Monday morning routine. That's the goal!)
Immerse yourself in the subtle drama of the Falcons-Saints meetup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with our monochrome snapshots from Week 4, shot on Sony.
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 speaks in the team huddle before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans celebrate after the Falcons win the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 make a tackle during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 arrives before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 scores a touchdown during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 runs onto the field before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during the anthem before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 celebrates during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 celebrates after a Falcons stop during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 after the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 celebrates after kicking the game-winngin field goal during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 after the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 run out for warm ups before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the field during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 warms up before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Smith-Williams #50 arrives before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 arrives before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 arrives before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 arrives before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 on the sideline before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 prepares in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 prepares in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 prepares in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Jase McClellan #30 in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players prepare in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris celebrates in the locker room after the win during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 and Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 react after the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 celebrates in the locker room after the win during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris celebrates in the locker room after the win during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 celebrates in the locker room after the win during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank celebrates in the locker room after the win during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores a touchdown during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Locker Room scene setters before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 on the bench during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 carries the ball during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offense lines up for a play during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 makes a tackle during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans cheer before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle in the tunnel the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 walks out before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 reacts after the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 make a tackle during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores a touchdown during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 after the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 scores a field gaol during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 pray together before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 walks out to warm ups before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores a touchdown during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during warm ups before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 scores a field goal during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
General view of the halo board during the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Bone Crusher performs during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during the anthem before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Locker Room scene setters before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
