No NFL team is without flaws when the season begins, although some have more concerns than others. After missing the playoffs in 2018 and 2019, the Atlanta Falcons were more aggressive this offseason.
The team moved on from six of last year’s starters, and signed some of the biggest names on the free-agent market. Still, there are a few question marks surrounding the Falcons’ 2020 roster.
Here are three factors that could determine Atlanta’s success or failure this season.
Is Todd Gurley healthy?
After the Rams bit a $10 million bullet by releasing running back Todd Gurley, the Falcons swooped in and landed the 25-year-old All-Pro on a one-year, $5.5 million contract. Gurley replaces Devonta Freeman — who wasn’t the same last season — in an attempt to improve a running game that averaged just 85.1 yards per contest in 2019. But is Gurley healthy? Last season, he averaged 3.8 yards per carry and didn’t look anywhere close to the player he was in previous seasons.
Even in a down year, however, Gurley still went over 1,000 all-purpose yards and accounted for 14 touchdowns. With a left knee that’s been rumored to be arthritic, it’s worth wondering if the former first-round pick can get back to being the play-maker that nearly won the NFL’s MVP award two years ago. The Falcons had numerous chances to select a running back in the 2020 NFL Draft but opted against it, indicating the team is confident that Gurley will return to form.