Atlanta Falcons 21.9 PPG 18th, Sacks 42: Tied 21st

The 2023 Atlanta Falcons were a disappointment on both offense and defense. Their one bright spot was the special teams with Younghoe Koo making 32 field goals, and all but one extra point.

There was essentially only one bright spot on the defense last year, and that was Jessie Bates III. He was All-Pro selection behind 132 tackles, 11 passes defended, 6 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. He appeared to be everywhere last year, and he had to be. Due to injuries and a lack of talent, he was doing what a great safety does… which is everything. 

2024 Prediction: 8th 

The Atlanta Falcons are entering a new era, with a familiar face. Raheem Morris joins the Falcons again, this time not as the defensive coordinator, nor the interim Head Coach, but THE Head Coach. Morris is familiar with almost everything about the Atlanta Falcons, as he was a coach from 2015-2020. During his three year absence, he won a Super Bowl as a Defensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. 

Head Coach Morris will whip the defensive into shape and they were projected to improve on their 18th ranking of last year. Then last week they added two fantastic defensive players, one a two time Pro Bowl selection, the other a four time Pro Bowl selection. 

Justin Simmons and Matt Judon became Falcons last week. Judon will bring some much needed pass rush, as he has 66.5 sacks, while the Falcons only had 42 sacks. In Judon’s last two healthy seasons he has recorded 28 sacks.

Simmons is an elite safety as the Falcons have one of the, if not the best safety tandem in the NFL. They play in one of the weakest divisions in the NFL, and have a great opportunity before them.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

DB – Jessie Bates II
LB – Matt Judon
DB – Justin Simmons

Jessie Bates III proved to be one of the best signings of last year. He came in and made an immediate impact for the Atlanta Falcons. Anytime a defensive back earns over 100 tackles, it is a great IDP season. Bates record 132 combined, 89 of which were solo tackles. The 6 interceptions, the scoring of a touchdown makes Bates one of the best in business.

Could Justin Simmons take away points and plays from Bates, possibly. But more on him later. Bates has four seasons with over 100 tackles and 20 interceptions in his career. In addition to that he is a two-time All-Pro selection. He is a great football player regardless of coach and personal.

Jessie Bates III will be drafted, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where he goes. Some drafts he goes higher, and others he slips to the bottom. He is worth a roster spot in standard leagues, and a higher draft position in leagues which require two or more defensive backs. Draft him accordingly, and yes it’s okay to reach for Jessie Bates.

Matt Judon was unhappy in New England, and the Patriots found a trading partner in the Atlanta Falcons. Judon is a force at outside linebacker, he only started in two games last year and racked up 4 sacks. He also was the NFL co-leader in safeties with 1.

Judon immediately feels a void the Falcons needed and should have a huge impact on the season. If he has double digit tackles and 50 or more tackles, the Falcons have a great chance at securing a home playoff game. He is that vital to the defense. 

Look for Judon to be back in Pro Bowl form, and do not hesitate to draft him. Do not reach for him, but truthfully Judon’s draft stock has taken a plummet due to his injury last year. In standard leagues you could wait til the last few picks in your draft, in leagues with multiple IDP requirements he has more value.

There are several great options for the third best IDP, Troy Anderson, Kaden Ellis, Grady Jarrett, but it’s newcomer Justin Simmons that earns the third spot. Simmons has been one of the best safeties in the league, on one of the worst teams over the past eight years… the Denver Broncos. In fact it is the worst seasons of the Broncos’ storied franchise

Due to that he is relatively unknown by general football fans. He was loved by the Broncos as one of their best players, and respected by his peers, ranked as the 57th best player in the NFL. He has 30 career interceptions and over 600 combined tackles. Entering age 30 there is still plenty of tank in the gas, and a desire to play in the playoffs, something the Broncos have not done since winning Super Bowl 50 (2015).

Simmons is available at the end or near the end of almost all drafts. If you are utilizing the popular strategy of waiting on defensive backs, take a look at Simmons, as he could have a resurgence in his career with Coach Morris and Bates III.

Tomorrow the Los Angeles Rams.

Thank you for reading, please leave any feedback here or on my X account @IDP_Iggy

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

All statistics come from pro-football-reference and Sleeperbot.