The Atlanta Falcons are off to a solid start in the 2023 season, as they are 3-3, only a half-game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South. A big reason for their success this season has been the improvement of their defense.
The Falcons are 14th in the NFL in points allowed and fourth in yardage allowed. That is a massive improvement from the last few seasons as Atlanta hasn’t been in the top 10 of either category since 2017.
However, for how good the defense has looked, the offense has been suspect. The Falcons rank 29th in points scored and 16th in yardage, disappointing numbers when you take a look at the team on paper.
This is a unit loaded with high-end talent as their last three first-round picks have been spent on tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running Bijan Robinson. The offensive line is excellent as well, ranking fifth heading into Week 7. The only thing truly holding them back is the quarterback position.
The Falcons took a major risk naming Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, their starter early in the offseason. There were opportunities for them to seek out other options, but they committed to the Cincinnati product.
That is something they likely regret as Atlanta is 31st in passing grade per PFF with a 47.8. Ridder is last in the NFL out of 33 qualified quarterbacks with an overall grade of 47.5. Quarterback was and remains the Falcons’ biggest need.
That is why Jeff Howe of The Athletic suggested Atlanta make a move for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. Fields returning to his hometown Falcons is one of the three trades Howe would love to see ahead of the deadline.
“Remember, these are trades we want to see — not necessarily those we expect to happen. The Bears are tracking toward the No. 1 pick in the draft, either with their own selection or from the Panthers, so they’re in play for USC’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye. With major changes likely on the horizon again, it might be best to maximize Fields’ value. Meanwhile, the Falcons were linked to Fields (who’s from Kennesaw, Ga.) before the 2021 draft, and he seems like a pretty solid fit for Arthur Smith’s offense.
Fields’ thumb injury complicates this idea, but this would be more of a move with the future in mind. Desmond Ridder has been struggling, and Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s facial expressions Sunday after each interception said a lot about that situation. Again, with a midseason trade, it might be a lot to ask Fields to step in for Ridder relatively soon, but he could get a jump on the offense and position himself to relieve Ridder if necessary, assuming the thumb heals. The extra time in the system could better prepare Fields for 2024.”
There have been rumors circulating that Fields’ value around the league isn’t as high as the Bears had hoped it would be. But, with the likelihood of them landing the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft increasing by the week, Fields’ chances of being their starting quarterback beyond 2023 lessens.
Fields wasn’t selected by the current regime of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus in Chicago. They committed to him this offseason, but it would be hard to imagine them doing it for a second time, especially if they have two of the top picks.
The Falcons would be a great fit for Fields’ skill set and provide him an opportunity to show what he can really do. He has played behind a shaky offensive line his entire career and before this season, his weaponry was limited.
Add in playing for an offensive-minded head coach for the first time and we could see the Ohio State product really take off. If a trade doesn’t occur during the season, the offseason it is something that should be revisited.
