Be the Bigger Cousins

It is no secret that there have been multiple conversations around veteran QB, Kirk Cousins. His position in Atlanta has drawn attention due to the fact he is being paid big money to, effectively, sit on the bench as a back up. Late last season, the Falcons took the decision to name Michael Penix Jr as their starting QB and this narrative has continued looking forward to next season. 

After the decision was made to name Penix as the Atlanta starter, Cousins made his feelings clear that he no longer wanted to stay at the Falcons and was open to trade talks with other teams. This has now changed and Cousins has released a statement to the effect that he wants to play an important role within the team next season. He is there to support year 1 newbie, Penix, and acknowledges the importance of this role. 

After participating in training this week, Cousins stated he wants to "be the best I can" and, when asked about Michael Penix Jr, he said he is "here to support him as he needs it." 

Mooney's Time to Shine

With over 1000 receiving yards last season, eyes turn to Darnell Mooney and what he will bring to the team next season. The 27 year old wide receiver from Tulane is entering the 3rd season of his career, and his 2nd at Atlanta. There can be no denying the impact that Mooney had last season and the chemistry between him and QB Michael Penix Jr was clear from the start. This is something that has continued during the OTAs and off season. With a strong wide receiver corp including Ray Ray McCloud III, Drake London, and Khadarel Hodge, the Falcons have some unbelievable talent to tap into at the position. 

What Character Concerns?

When the Falcons traded back into round 1 to take James Pearce Junior at pick 26, eyebrows were raised. The edge from Tennessee was a controversial candidate throughout the draft after some serious character concerns were raised. One scout even dubbed him to have the "worst character report in the draft" - a reputation that definitely impacted upon the decisions made by teams to swerve his selection. However, head coach, Raheem Morris, has stated this week that he "fell in love" with the rookie during the preparations for the draft and this has been reinforced in the time he has spent with him during his time in Atlanta. He has described him as "a great guy" and is excited to be moving forward with him as part of the Falcons squad. 

Kyle Pitts Vanished?

With the season fast approaching, the Falcons have hosted several media days and have been hyping up fans with posts of all of the star players across their socials. We've seen the rookies, we've seen Bijan, we've seen Terrell, we've seen Michael Penix Jr but where is Kyle Pitts in all of these posts? I reported last week that Pitts was suffering a mild foot injury but also that there were trade talks in the works for him too. In what appears to be a direct snub, we are yet to see Pitts' face on the Atlanta socials pages - is this a sign of what's to come? If so, who do we take to replace the tight end?