The Atlanta Falcons suffered their first defeat of the season in Week 3. They went on the road for the first time and were defeated handily by the Detroit Lions, 20-6. While it is certainly not panic time yet in Atlanta, the curious usage of their last three first-round picks, tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson, will raise some eyebrows.
Despite the setback, the Falcons remain in a tie for first place in the NFC South with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints, who could be without quarterback Derek Carr. Carr suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder and might have to miss some time.
While major question marks remain about quarterback Desmond Ridder, as the position was selected as the biggest weakness on the team by Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, no changes there are imminent. It would be shocking to see the Falcons make a change now after committing to Ridder throughout the offseason.
Instead, the position that Atlanta could look to shore up is cornerback. That was the No. 2 weakness in Holder’s opinion and it would be hard to argue against that. The Falcons took a chance on Jeff Okudah, the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft whom they acquired from the Lions.
The same issues that plagued him in Detroit, such as injuries, have carried over to Atlanta. He made his season debut in Week 3, but how much can the team count on him? Given his history, likely not much.
Because of that, Holder has suggested that the Falcons make a move to bring in a veteran to help opposite budding star A.J. Terrell. One player who could help out is William Jackson III.
“While Jackson III has battled through injuries in recent years as well, he at least has a résumé that includes 51 career passes defended to add some depth to the position group for the Dirty Birds.”
Atlanta’s defense has made real strides thus far in the 2023 season. They are ranked seventh in points allowed and eighth in yardage. Their pass defense has been stingy when it comes to surrendering yardage but has allowed five passing touchdowns, which ranks 22nd.
Adding a player such as Jackson would help keep opponents out of the end zone through the air. Terrell is a burgeoning Pro Bowler on one side of the field but the Falcons have yet to find a consistent producer to play on the opposite perimeter.
