The Kyle Pitts Dilemma

With an ever changing narrative on tight end Kyle Pitts, Falcons fans are left wondering whether he will even be with the team next season. Whilst no reports have been confirmed, there are a number of teams who have noted interest in Pitts. A major focus goes to the Pittsburgh Steelers who have been aggressively pursuing a trade deal for Pitts. Currently, he is out of all training activities which initially pointed to him abstaining due to negotiations on his contract stalling. However, this week, the team revealed he was suffering a foot sprain injury which prevented his participation. The Falcons are reportedly steadfast in their position not to lose what they consider to be a key playmaker in the new system. 

Legends Return

During organised team activities this week, there was a positive buzz after legends Matt Ryan and Michael Vick returned to their old stomping ground. Michael Vick spoke to the Atlanta Falcons Podcast Network after speaking to individual players and predicts an amazing season ahead for Michael Penix Jr and the team. 

Alongside the return of Vick, legendary quarterback, Matt Ryan has been working with Penix throughout the off season as a mentor. Both Ryan and Penix are no strangers to the pressure of the position and Ryan has reportedly given a lot of good advice to the young QB about leading a team. Penix' style of leadership is one that is constantly developing but he has spoken of the priority for him to get to know the whole team personally. He has previously mentioned that he makes time to eat lunch and even play golf with his fellow Falcons.  

Robinson Optimistic

Widely considered one of the top running backs of the league, Bijan Robinson is ready and locked in for the season. He has stated that he is looking for "more explosive plays" and is lined up with the power of year 1 QB Penix for his best season yet. Robinson is no longer interested in those 30 yard plays, instead he is looking to double that and aims for a Saquon Barkley style season. Robinson is going into his 3rd year with high expectations for himself but has been doing that behind-the-scenes training through the off-season with focus on his 100 yard sprinting to prepare for the plays he is so looking forward to at the hands of MPJ. 

New Systems

From one Robinson to another, 2nd year Offensive Coordinator, Zac Robinson has had a very busy offseason period to contend with. In his first ever offseason as an OC, he has faced the challenge of implementing a whole new system as the team moves away from that of Arthur Smith. This has its own challenges for any coach but on top of that he has two quarterbacks to contend with and the pressure of implementing all of this change intensively at the OTAs. There is an excited buzz amongst the Falcons staff ahead of a season with Penix at the helm. When asked about Penix' progress, Robinson stated "Holy smokes, this is different from stuff we've ever seen". 

With the heartbreak of last season missing out on the playoffs by such a tight margin, the Falcons have it all to play for. As does Raheem Morris, who needs to start getting results. And fast.