Throughout the month of July, the Last Word on Pro Football department will be taking a look at the three most recognizable faces of each NFL team. For this series, we’ll be looking only at active players. Here, the 2019 Atlanta Falcons are the focus.
The Falcons are led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Aside from Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones just might be the best in the game. That tandem of quarterback-receiver combination is one of the most dynamic in the entire NFL. Both Ryan and Jones will need big seasons production-wise for Atlanta to be a playoff contender in 2019. After the downfall of last season, the Falcons are searching to find their way back to greatness. Can 2019 be the year?
2019 Atlanta Falcons Franchise Faces
Matt Ryan
Ryan has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Winning the MVP in 2016 and a Super Bowl berth, Ryan has become one of the Falcons’ all-time greats at the position. For the offense to thrive, Ryan has to get back to his normal ways of being an efficient quarterback. 2018 didn’t prove that, and that is one reason the season ended in turmoil for the Falcons. With a healthy Ryan in 2019, Atlanta could provide heavily on offense.
Alongside Drew Brees and Cam Newton, Ryan is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC South. 2016 was Atlanta’s year until it ended in a Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots. Ryan knows what it will take to get his team back to being a contender. And it starts with him. Making the right throws, being a leader, things that a truly elite quarterback possesses.
Julio Jones
It’s not hyperbole to say that Jones is one of the best receivers in the game. After playing college at Alabama, Jones took the NFL by storm in his first season. His unreal catches and solid route running are what drives him as a great wideout. Catching passes from one of the best quarterbacks help out too. “Jet” Jones as he’s called, he has incredible speed off the line of scrimmage. There’s a reason the Falcons paid Julio what they did. He’s well-deserving of it. Oh, and he can play defense too. His tackling skills are pretty solid.
Deion Jones
Deion Jones has made a name for himself in Atlanta. Becoming a top defensive player on the team took him some time. However, he’s one of the most-liked players on the Falcons roster. His game explains why. The resiliency Jones plays with makes him one of the best linebackers in all of the NFL. No wonder Atlanta signed him to a four-year extension. He has risen up to be one of the top players in the organization. Jones has become one of the leaders on the defense for the Falcons. The fan base sure will be happy to have him locked in for a few more seasons. Atlanta’s defense is steadily on the rise, and it starts with Deion Jones.
