Locked On Falcons - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Falcons

The race for the NFC South division title is wide open this year and the Atlanta Falcons have just as much a chance to win it as any other team. But do the various hosts of the Locked On Saints and Locked On Bucs agree? Ross Jackson (@LockedOnSaints) and James Yarcho (@LockedOnBucs) share their thoughts on the Falcons with host Aaron Freeman.

Ross shares his insight into new Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, Desmond Ridder, and how "hate week" between the Falcons and Saints is expected to be the liveliest it's been in years.

James discusses what the Falcons are potentially building, Ridder, Jessie Bates, Scotty Miller, and Bijan Robinson's potential to be a star.

Later, Aaron answers a listener question on the value of positionless football for NFL offenses like Atlanta's and how defenses will try to adjust.

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No doubt that Matt Ryan is the best quarterback to ever don an Atlanta Falcons uniform, but did he do enough to earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? Host Aaron Freeman is joined by guest Allen Strk to debate that very subjective and discuss where Ryan stacks among the all-time greats. They discuss what it takes for a quarterback to get enshrined in today’s NFL and discuss some of the good times from Ryan’s career, including his 2016 MVP season, 2018 year, and the ways his game improved as his career wore on. They also discuss what they expect to see from Ryan now that he is joining CBS Sports as a broadcaster and analyst.

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The Atlanta Falcons have two major needs left unresolved on their current roster: adding a vertical threat at wide receiver and an "alpha" pass rusher on defense. Using our patented time machine, which former Falcons would be worth bringing to the present to complete this roster. Host Aaron Freeman makes his choices including 1998 speed threat receiver Tony Martin and former first-round pick Patrick Kerney.

Later, he answers more listener questions, including if Desmond Ridder is likely to be the Falcons quarterback five years from now, and why he thinks Bijan Robinson is the only player worth projecting that far in advance. Then, he breaks down why Bob Christian was a better fullback than Patrick DiMarco, which recent draft pick he'd time travel to change, and breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of different defensive fronts including the 3-3-5, 4-3, and 3-4 schemes.

Lastly, he discusses why he's not as big a fan of koalas, pandas, and cheetahs.

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The Atlanta Falcons offensive line has come a long way in the last calendar year, from a unit that most considered to be among the NFL's worst to now potentially one of the league's best. Host Aaron Freeman breaks down how we got here, and the ways that head coach Arthur Smith and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford were able to coach up this unit over the past year. He also discusses whether that improvement will continue in 2023 or whether regression is on the table.

Later, he discusses the competition for starting left guard where rookie Matthew Bergeron and veteran Matt Hennessy are expected to battle. He also breaks down if the lack of experience in terms of depth at offensive tackle will lead to the team exploring alternative options outside Atlanta later this summer. Finally, he discusses if former draft picks Justin Shaffer and Jalen Mayfield are on the roster bubble this summer.

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There are plenty of questions surrounding Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts coming off a disappointing 2022 season due to production and injuries. But things may be looking up in 2023 especially if he and quarterback Desmond Ridder can build a strong rapport with one another. But first, Pitts needs to return to the practice field after missing the latter half of 2022 with a knee injury. Host Aaron Freeman breaks down why it's important that Pitts and Ridder are on the same page, and discusses the abundance of negativity and criticism surrounding Pitts.

Later, he discusses Jonnu Smith's potential to impact this year or if his recent struggles with the New England Patriots will continue with the Falcons. He also breaks down the blocking of Parker Hesse and John FitzPatrick, alongside the athletic potential of Feleipe Franks.

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The Atlanta Falcons potentially have another top-notch wideout in second-year receiver Drake London. Host Aaron Freeman explores what makes London so effective and why he can blossom this season as the main target for quarterback Desmond Ridder. He breaks down how London compares with past Falcons greats in Julio Jones and Roddy White, and why London's size, route-running, and potential to be a mismatch in the slot will serve him moving forward.

Later, he discusses what exactly Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller are bringing to the table as the team's other main wide receivers. He compares their games to that of Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel.

Finally, he discusses the rest of the Falcons wide receiver group and how special teams is going to matter when it comes to decide those last few spots on the roster. KhaDarel Hodge's coverage ability gives him an edge, but Penny Hart and/or Josh Ali's potential to stick as the punt returner should help their chances at sticking. And which young receiver will emerge as a fan favorite to fill the void left by the retirement of Jared Bernhardt?

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The Atlanta Falcons’ offensive identity centers on their potentially dominant running game, and that will be spearheaded by their young duo at running back in rookie Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Host Aaron Freeman breaks down how he thinks the team will try to split carries between the pair this year, along with Cordarrelle Patterson and quarterback Desmond Ridder. He discusses how Robinson may not hog all the rushing attempts, but should get plenty of opportunities as a pass-catcher this season to offset things.

Later, he discusses why the Falcons likely won’t be significantly more balanced on offense in 2023 than the were the previous season due to the style and identity that Arthur Smith wants in his offense. He breaks down why the team will continue to lean on the ground attack even if they think Ridder can be a more effective passer than Marcus Mariota, and why the Falcons may be in the vanguard as the NFL rolls back the clock to a time before it was known as a “passing league.”

Finally, he discusses the impact of injuries to Avery Williams and Caleb Huntley and why fullback Keith Smith was retained despite the Falcons potentially wanting more of a hybrid H-back/tight end in that role like Parker Hesse.

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The Atlanta Falcons hope Desmond Ridder can follow in the footsteps of Matt Ryan to become the team's franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. This year, Ridder will have to work on combining all the components of being a capable starting quarterback rather than simply flash glimpses of it. If so, he can be the player that the Falcons opt to build around, similar to how the Philadelphia Eagles have done around Jalen Hurts. Host Aaron Freeman breaks down the Eagles' blueprint for success and why the Falcons could follow suit. 

Later, he discusses Taylor Heinicke's value to the team as a backup and potential starter and if Logan Woodside can lock down scout team duties.

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The Atlanta Falcons 90-man roster appears set for training camp, so host Aaron Freeman breaks down which of the 53 players he expects to make their bid for the final roster and 16 players for the practice squad. He discusses offense, defense, and special teams in his projection for the Falcons roster. Will this summer spell the end for former 2021 draft picks like wide receiver Frank Darby, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield, defensive end Ade Ogundeji, and cornerback Darren Hall? Will all six of the Falcons 2023 draft class make the roster? Who will earn key roles on special teams such as at gunner or punt returner?

Later, he answers a pair of listener questions about the potential for Kyle Pitts to miss time later this summer still recovering from his knee injury and whether or not wide receiver Scotty Miller could be an underrated aspect of the Falcons offense this year.

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Things are looking up for the Atlanta Falcons entering 2023, but not everything is guaranteed in the National Football League. Host Aaron Freeman examines the potential flaws that could trip up the Falcons this year on their path to the top of the NFC South division in looking at the unproven nature of Desmond Ridder, along with several other young players on both sides of the ball. He also examines the potential issues that every other NFC South rival may face this season.

For the New Orleans Saints, can they count on Derek Carr being an upgrade at quarterback given all the other question marks they have on offense? Will their defense take a step back given some of their offseason losses.

While Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young shows a lot of promise and potential, is the Panthers coaching staff capable of developing that? Their track record remains mixed at best.

As for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, how big a dropoff from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield will there be? Do they have the pieces to be a more balanced offense if need be?

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