Atlanta Falcons Stock: Penix & Morris Performance โ A Post-Draft Deep Dive
The Atlanta Falcons, after a surprisingly strong 2022 season, entered the 2023 NFL Draft with a clear focus: bolstering their offense. While the additions of Bijan Robinson and other draft picks generated significant buzz, the performances of two key players โ quarterback Desmond Ridder and running back Tyler Allgeier โ will ultimately dictate the team's success and, consequently, its stock value in the eyes of fans and analysts alike. This article delves deep into the potential impact of these players, analyzing their projected performance and its influence on the Falcons' overall trajectory.
Desmond Ridder: The Incumbent Quarterback's Challenge
Desmond Ridder, the Falcons' 2022 third-round pick, faces a pivotal 2023 season. His performance will significantly impact the team's trajectory and, consequently, how fans and analysts perceive the team's stock. He enters the season as the starter, but his performance in the preseason and regular season will determine how long he holds that position.
Ridder's Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Ridder possesses impressive athleticism and mobility, offering a dual-threat dimension often lacking in more traditional pocket passers. Heโs shown flashes of strong arm talent and the ability to make crucial throws under pressure. His leadership qualities and work ethic have also been praised by coaches and teammates. His ability to extend plays with his legs can create valuable opportunities for the Falcons' offense.
Weaknesses: Ridderโs accuracy needs improvement. He can sometimes force throws into tight coverage, leading to interceptions. His decision-making, particularly under pressure, requires refinement. Consistency in his performance remains a key area for growth. He needs to improve his pocket presence and reduce his tendency to flee the pocket too early.
Ridder's Projected Impact:
The success of the Falcons' offense heavily hinges on Ridder's development. If he can consistently improve his accuracy, decision-making, and pocket presence, the Falcons' offense will be significantly more potent. His running ability will add a dynamic element, especially in short-yardage situations. However, if his weaknesses persist, the Falcons may struggle to maintain the momentum gained in 2022. A significant jump in his completion percentage and a reduction in interceptions will be critical indicators of his progress.
Tyler Allgeier: The Workhorse Running Back's Rise
Tyler Allgeier, a fifth-round pick in 2022, exceeded expectations in his rookie season, showcasing impressive durability and a surprising level of versatility. He's now poised to take on a larger role in the offense, but the addition of Bijan Robinson presents both opportunities and challenges.
Allgeier's Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Allgeier is a powerful runner with exceptional vision and balance. He consistently fights for extra yards and displays a surprising amount of agility for a player of his size. His pass-blocking skills are also underrated, making him a valuable asset in both rushing and passing situations. His ability to consistently gain tough yards will be crucial in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Weaknesses: Allgeier lacks top-end speed, which can limit his big-play potential. While heโs improved his receiving skills, he's still not a premier receiving back. Heโll need to continue developing his route-running to fully capitalize on his opportunities in the passing game.
Allgeier's Projected Impact:
The arrival of Bijan Robinson doesn't necessarily diminish Allgeier's value. The two could form a potent one-two punch, with Allgeier serving as a powerful complement to Robinson's more versatile skill set. Allgeier's strength and durability will be invaluable in short-yardage situations and late in games. His role might decrease in terms of overall carries, but his contributions will remain significant. His ability to thrive in a reduced role will be a key indicator of his growth and professionalism.
The Dynamic Duo: Ridder & Allgeier's Synergy
The success of the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 depends heavily on the synergy between Desmond Ridder and Tyler Allgeier. Ridder's ability to make timely reads and avoid turnovers will be crucial in allowing Allgeier to exploit running lanes. Conversely, Allgeierโs reliable running and pass blocking will take pressure off Ridder, allowing him to make better decisions and execute plays more effectively. The development of a strong connection between these two players will be a key factor in determining the team's overall offensive efficiency.
The Impact of Bijan Robinson
The addition of Bijan Robinson adds another layer of complexity to the analysis. While Robinson's talent is undeniable, his presence could potentially reduce Allgeier's overall workload. However, this could also be a positive development, allowing Allgeier to focus on specific roles and potentially refine his skills, maximizing his efficiency.
Robinsonโs presence will also impact Ridder's performance. A strong running game will open up the passing game, allowing Ridder more opportunities to exploit defenses. This symbiotic relationship between Robinson, Allgeier and Ridder is vital for a balanced and high-powered Falconsโ offense.
Conclusion: Falcons Stock Outlook
The Atlanta Falcons' stock in 2023 hinges significantly on the performance of Desmond Ridder and Tyler Allgeier. While the addition of Bijan Robinson adds excitement and offensive firepower, the development and consistency of Ridder and Allgeier will be critical in determining whether the Falcons can build upon their successful 2022 season. If Ridder can elevate his game and Allgeier continues to excel in his role, the Falcons' future looks bright. Their performance will not only determine the teamโs win-loss record but will also significantly influence the overall perception and valuation of the team by fans, analysts, and the broader NFL community. A strong showing from this duo will significantly increase the Falcons' stock, potentially setting them up for a successful season and beyond. The 2023 season promises to be a crucial one for evaluating the long-term potential of both players and, consequently, the Atlanta Falcons franchise.