It was quite a mixed bag this offseason in Atlanta. Getting rid of the disaster that was the Arthur Smith experiment was critical. Bringing in Raheem Morris and especially Zac Robinson as the OC were definitely home runs. How they handled the quarterback position – paying Kirk Cousins off an achilles injury and drafting Penix at 8 – not great.

Let’s start with the quarterback room. Cousins, even a slowed down version of him, is going to provide better quarterback play than Atlanta has seen since Matt Ryan. But it was quite a financial investment in an older player when you still have to resign your young talent over the next few years. Cousins is a win now strategy, which is what makes the Penix pick so unusual.

During the draft they justified it by talking about how Green Bay has done it with Rodgers and Love. But the difference in both, is that those quarterbacks were falling down the draft board and the Packers grabbed them in the 20s – not the top 10. I think Penix is a great player, and I think he’s going to be very successful in Atlanta. But in a win now mentality, they should have upgraded their defense with that pick.

I love the coaching change. Zac Robinson is going to develop a special offense in the mold of Sean McVay. I expect London and Pitts are going to finish the season with Pro Bowl type numbers. Raheem Morris should be able to work with the defense and help it compliment the offensive scheme that is being put in. With a weak division, and a team that is finally going to perform up to its potential, Atlanta has a chance at a deep playoff run this year.

2024 Prediction: 11-6 1st NFC South/Playoffs Divisional Round