After cleaning house following the end of a disappointing 2023 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons hope they can right the ship heading into the 2024 campaign in a few weeks, with new head coach Raheem Morris leading the way on the sideline and new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins leading the charge under center.
Although the Falcons may have upgraded as head coach and quarterback, the team made some questionable moves in the 2024 NFL Draft, like drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round after signing Cousins instead of addressing the defense with their first-round pick.
However, in the next five rounds of the draft, the team focused on defense, bringing in defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, pass rusher Bralen Trice, defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, and linebacker JD Bertrand.
Unfortunately, the Falcons’ first preseason game resulted in a massive blow for the defense, with the team losing Trice to a season-ending injury, according to Field Yates of ESPN.
The Falcons placed rookie edge Bralen Trice on IR, ending his season. A huge bummer for their third-round pick.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 11, 2024
With Trice being a rookie and unproven, the University of Washington product didn’t have a chance to make an impression, which is unfortunate, especially since he didn’t have the opportunity to prove himself in a game that actually counted towards the team’s regular season record.
The Falcons haven’t had much luck lately, as they didn’t see many good things take place in the first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, where they were beaten by them.
Obviously, this is the preseason, and wins and losses don’t matter, but teams want to see some progress, especially with so many young players on the team in what will be a transition period in 2024.
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Fans React To Michael Penix Jr.’s Debut