NFL

Depth Charts, Rosters, and Predictions

Published

11 months ago

May 31, 2023

darragh

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The Atlanta Falcons are long shots to reach the playoffs in 2023 but have enough uncertainty in their future that it’s not impossible to envision how they could make a run at the division. That would require their bet on Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick from last year’s draft, to pay off.

Atlanta’s entire offseason seems to be built around that gamble, allowing the Falcons to use the capacious salary cap space left by a rookie quarterback to secure their preferred free agents. Still, they used it more to re-sign key players on an underperforming team rather than bring stars in. Nevertheless, the roster next year will look much different than the one this year.

Everything You Need Ahead of the Atlanta Falcons 2023 NFL Season

The Falcons’ decision to avoid selecting a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft or pursue one in free agency signals extraordinary confidence in Ridder, who can make or break a Falcons team set up to do well offensively, with a great offensive play-caller in head coach Arthur Smith and some exciting weapons like Kyle Pitts and Drake London, as well as rookie first-round pick Bijan Robinson.

MORE: 2023 NFL Schedule

In a weak division, that kind of confidence might pay off big as Carolina figures out whether or not their rookie QB is suited for the NFL, the Buccaneers lean on a relatively unknown second-round pick in Kyle Trask, and the Saints attempt to build around veteran Derek Carr.

Falcons Roster Changes

The Falcons were aggressive in free agency, even with their own players. They had a near-record number of players see their contracts expire, but they re-signed most of them, adding a substantial amount of talent through free agency. Atlanta focused on retaining their offensive line, but they also made sure to add across the defense and in choice spots on the offense.

That allowed Atlanta to be a little bit more relaxed in the draft, which is why they were able to target a running back in Round 1 despite their already-existing talent there.

Players Signed/Claimed
- QB Taylor Heinicke
- WR Mack Hollins
- WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
- WR Scotty Miller
- WR Penny Hart
- WR Slade Bolden
- OT Ethan Greenidge
- OT Joshua Miles
- EDGE Bud Dupree
- DT David Onyemata
- DT Calais Campbell
- DT Joe Gaziano
- LB Kaden Elliss
- LB Andre Smith
- LB Tae Davis
- CB Mike Hughes
- CB Tre Flowers
- S Jessie Bates III
Players Acquired via Trade
- TE Jonnu Smith
- CB Jeff Okudah

Players Drafted
- RB Bijan Robinson
- OT Matthew Bergeron
- EDGE Zach Harrison
- CB Clark Phillips III
- S DeMarcco Hellams
- G Jovaughn Gwyn
Players Lost
- QB Marcus Mariota
- WR Damiere Byrd
- WR Olamide Zaccheus
- WR Emeka Emezie
- TE MyCole Pruitt
- TE Anthony Firkser
- OT Chuma Edoga
- OT Elijah Wilkinson
- OT Germain Ifedi
- G Colby Gossett
- DT Abdullah Anderson
- DT Matt Dickerson
- DT Derrick Tangelo
- DT David Anenih
- DT Jaleel Johnson
- DT Vincent Taylor
- LB Nick Kwiatkoski
- LB Rashaan Evans
- CB Casey Hayward
- CB Rashad Fenton
- CB Mike Ford
- CB Isaiah Oliver
- S Jovante Moffatt
- S Erik Harris
- LS Beau Brinkley

The amount of roster turnover that the Falcons have seen is extraordinary, which is fitting given their performance last season. But they have the bones on offense to do well, so long as they have the quarterback they need. Atlanta’s put their faith in Ridder and moved on from Marcus Mariota, which was inevitable after they played Ridder over Mariota later in the season.

On offense, the Falcons have focused on supplementing their primary pass catchers instead of stuffing their roster with multiple No. 1 options, hoping that one of their WR or TE additions can turn into a reasonable third receiving option after Pitts and London.

The focus, however, will clearly be on the run game. Adding Robinson to an RB room that features last year’s all-rookie candidate Tyler Allgeier and a resurgent Cordarrelle Patterson is already deadly. But Arthur Smith loves to run his quarterbacks, and Ridder has the athleticism to carry that load.

MORE: Where Does Atlanta’s Offense Rank in 2023?

On defense, Atlanta essentially turned their entire secondary over, keeping just A.J. Terrell and Richie Grant as their starters. They traded for Jeff Okudah to play opposite Terrell, and they’re likely to play Clark Phillips III in the slot with free agent signing Jessie Bates III behind them next to Grant.

That should be exciting but could go poorly if youth and miscommunication characterize that group. However, that’s why defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen was brought in. With a new group of defensive linemen, featuring David Onyemata, Calais Campbell, and an unretired Eddie Goldman, the Falcons might be able to stop the run much better in 2023 than last season.

Atlanta Falcons Coaching Staff in 2023

Head Coach: Arthur Smith
- Assistant Head Coach/Defense: Jerry Gray
- Senior Assistant: Steve Hoffman
Offensive Coordinator: Dave Ragone
- Offensive Line: Dwayne Ledford
- Offensive Line Assistant: Shawn Flaherty
- Offensive Line Assistant: Mateo Kambui
- Tight Ends: Justin Peelle
- Running Backs: Michael Pitre
- Wide Receivers: T.J. Yates
- Assistant Wide Receivers: Nick Perry
- Offensive Assistant: Patrick Kramer
- Offensive Assistant: Steven King
Defensive Coordinator: Ryan Nielsen
- Senior Defensive Assistant: Dave Huxtable
- Defensive Assistant: Matt Pees
- Special Projects Defense: Mario Jeberaeel
- Linebackers: Frank Bush
- Defensive Front: Lanier Goethie
- Secondary: Steve Jackson
Special Teams Coordinator: Marquice Williams
- Special Teams Assistant: Matt Baker
Strength and Conditioning: Dr. Thomas Stallworth
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Roderick Moore Jr.
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Bobby Thomas
Director of Coaching Operations: Brian Griffin
- Assistant Director of Coaching Operations: Sarah Hogan
- Football Analyst: Donavan Ellison
- Football Analyst: Michael Gray
- Football Analyst: Mike Snyder

The Falcons, in addition to overhauling their defensive personnel, cleared out much of their defensive coaching staff. After moving on from Dean Pees, they also released DL coach Gary Emanuel, secondary coach Jon Hoke, and OLBs coach Ted Monachino. Quarterbacks coach Charles London chose to become the pass game coordinator and QBs coach of the Tennessee Titans.

They replaced Pees with Nielsen and Hoke with Steve Jackson, while Monachino and Emanuel’s jobs seem to have been absorbed by Lanier Goethie’s role as the defensive front specialist. The Falcons did not replace their QBs coach, instead opting for Dave Ragone to take on the role alongside his OC duties.

These are fairly bold moves given where Atlanta’s roster is at, but perhaps necessary. How Ridder performs will determine whether or not the gamble with the quarterbacks coach made sense.

Predicting the Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart

QB: Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Logan Woodside
WR: Drake London, Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller, Penny Hart, KhaDarel Hodge, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
RB: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson
FB: Clint Ratkovich
LT: Jake Matthews, Ethan Greenidge
LG: Matthew Bergeron, Matt Hennessy
C: Drew Dalman, Jovaughn Gwyn
RG: Chris Lindstrom, Jalen Mayfield
RT: Kaleb McGary
EDGE: Bud Dupree, Zach Harrison
NT: David Onyemata, Eddie Goldman
DT: Grady Jarrett, Calais Campbell, Ta’Quon Graham
EDGE: Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone
MLB: Troy Andersen, Mykal Walker, Tae Davis
WLB: Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman
RCB: Jeff Okudah, Tre Flowers
LCB: A.J. Terrell, Darren Hall
NCB: Clark Phillips III, Mike Hughes
SS: Richie Grant, Jaylinn Hawkins
FS: Jessie Bates III, DeMarcco Hellams
P: Bradley Pinion
K: Younghoe Koo
LS: Liam McCullough

2022 Results and Standings

Atlanta exceeded expectations with their seven wins — just outside of playoff reach in a division full of losing records but not enough to force people to take the Falcons very seriously. They did beat the 49ers and Seahawks but otherwise had a lackluster slate of wins.

The Falcons showcased significant potential with their offense, scoring 25 points per game in the first eight weeks. That fell off in the second half of the season, however, only scoring as many as 25 points twice — against the Bears and Buccaneers — and averaging 18.3 points per game. The average when Ridder started (the final four games) was only slightly better than the five games Mariota started in the final half of the season.

MORE: Atlanta Falcons Schedule 2023

The defense did the opposite, tightening up in the second half. In the first eight games, Atlanta averaged 25.6 ppg allowed and only 20.1 on average in the second half of the season. It follows, of course, that they went 4-4 to start and 3-6 to end. Had the Falcons not petered out, it might have been easier to believe in them. But for now, the impression for Atlanta is an impression of a squad that needs a bit more to be competitive.

2023 Power Rankings and Season Outlook

The Falcons rank 30th in Pro Football Network’s 2023 Power Rankings, an indication that there’s not much belief that they can actually turn it around despite an almost even record last year. Almost all of it relies on the confidence that Atlanta has in Ridder. But it’s hard for an outside observer to trust a third-round second-year player who helmed an offense that scored fewer points after he took over.

The defense can’t be trusted to be good until they actually put good results on the field. Terrell and Grady Jarrett are talented, but they’ll need better performances from their teammates, including better performances from incoming free agents than we saw in 2022, for that defense to take a real step.

If they do, the Falcons have playoff opportunity in front of them. Until then, we’ll think of them more as competitors for the first pick than the last one.

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NFL

Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

Legend 😂 pic.twitter.com/hk27JTAXZ9

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

“If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X.

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said.

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted.

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

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Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.

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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw appeared to suffer an injury while running on the field.

pic.twitter.com/zx0l1NjTew

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is now officially out for the game.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

He can’t sit in the back? pic.twitter.com/9jpz0rdoF1

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) February 12, 2024

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

And now, the end is near.

And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain. pic.twitter.com/YgIEGOAMb1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 11, 2024

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.