The Atlanta Falcons have yet to make any notable moves following their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, but that could soon change.
On Tuesday, the Falcons released three players from their practice squad and according to head coach Arthur Smith, the team plans to work out some players this week along the offensive line, per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.
#Falcons HC Arthur Smith said they are bringing people in on the practice squad on the offensive line.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) September 15, 2021
Didn't say who.
Atlanta’s offensive line struggled mightily in Week 1 as rookie Jalen Mayfield was forced to make his debut at left guard due to Josh Andrews’ preseason hand injury. The offense did some good things in the first quarter before the wheels completely came off.
On the Falcons’ first two drives, we saw motion on offense, good tempo and a successful running game. It was short lived, but it was Smith’s head-coaching debut and he’s bound to improve.
The former Titans offensive coordinator sounds like he has done some serious self reflection in the days since Sunday’s 32-6 loss. Smith told reporters at Wednesday’s practice that he asks himself where he can improve every day, per Tori McElhaney.
"Where can I do better? That's what I ask myself every day. That's not me being a martyr. That's the truth." Arthur Smith said adjustments start with him, and added you have to evolve otherwise you're left behind.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) September 15, 2021
With 1-0 Tampa Bay on deck in Week 2, Atlanta will need to be locked in order to avoid an 0-2 start to the season. Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady may be getting up there in age, but he’s still playing at a high level at 44 years old. Last Thursday, he led a game-winning drive to clinch a victory over the Cowboys.
Smith talked about the challenge that Brady presents, calling him “one of the best ever in situational football.”
Falcons HC Arthur Smith said Tom Brady is the best or one of the best ever in situational football.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) September 15, 2021
Brady has already taken to trolling the Falcons on his Instagram earlier this week about a certain Super Bowl game, despite beating Atlanta twice in 2020.
Ryan is learning to grin and bare the tired “28-3” jokes, or least trying to be a good sport about it.
Someone brought up 28-3 to #Falcons QB Matt Ryan and if he's heard jokes about it.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) September 15, 2021
Matt Ryan jokes: "I never heard it."
(Then he chuckles)
"It's part of your past. It's part of what happened." Said it has nothing to do with this week.
