After the first month of football, we finally have a pretty good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of this Falcons team. So, who’s performing better than anticipated, and who’s underachieving through the first three games?
Each of these six players have seen their stock rise or fall in the month of September.
Stock up: HB | Cordarrelle Patterson
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Cordarrelle Patterson is showing why he is considered such a dynamic offensive weapon. In an offense featuring Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley, the former receiver, now running back, has undoubtedly become the Falcons most impactful player thus far. Of course, the likelihood Patterson remains on this high is very low, but hopefully he rides it out long enough for Arthur Smith to get the offense in order.
Stock down: WR Russell Gage
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Many anticipated that Russell Gage would be the beneficiary of the Julio Jones trade. However, after registering no receptions in Week 1, Gage only amassed 28 yards on five receptions the following week. Five sounds like a lot until you realize his average depth of target is 1.4 yards downfield. Gage missed the Falcons’ Week 3 win over the Giants due to an ankle injury he sustained in Week 2. He’s out again against Washington.
Stock up: CB Isaiah Oliver
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Many were ready to write off Isaiah Oliver after an underwhelming start to his Falcons career, and they would be justified in doing so. However, Oliver has since seen a small career rebirth after the firing of Dan Quinn and his move to the nickel corner slot. Since the change, Oliver has excelled and become one of the Falcons’ most consistent defensive players through the first month of action.
Stock down: RT Kaleb McGary
(AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
When you spend two first round picks on offensive linemen, at least one better hit. In fact, one did hit, but it hasn’t been Kaleb McGary. The Falcons traded back into the first round of 2019 to draft McGary after spending their original first-round selection on Chris Lindstrom. Through the first month of action, McGary is second to Jalen Mayfield in total pressures allowed. His seven allowed hurries are tied for the most on the team. When the time comes to decide on fifth-year options, expect the team to skip out on McGary’s unless he turns things around.
Stock up: RG Chris Lindstrom
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On the flip side of McGary is Chris Lindstrom, the first of the Falcons’ two first-round linemen drafted in 2019. Since joining the team, Lindstrom has been a formidable force along the interior of Atlanta’s offensive line. Lindstrom landed on the Pro Football Journal’s All-Pro team after his 2020 season. Through three games in 2021. Lindstrom and Matthews remain the only bright spots along an abysmal offensive line.
Stock down: TE Kyle Pitts
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Falcons fans are enduring a big of a reality check after many realized their expectations for the tight end Kyle Pitts were considerably higher than they should have been. Thus far, the rookie has looked like, well, a rookie. And truthfully, it’s not totally Pitts’ fault. Head coach Arthur Smith has to find creative ways to get the ball into the rookie’s hands. Three weeks into his NFL career and opposing defenses are double covering the rookie on pure hype alone. Hopefully, as the Falcons’ offense progresses this season, Pitts’ involvement will increase.
