The Atlanta Falcons' preseason is in the books without fans getting one look at the majority of the starters. Even backup quarterback Kirk Cousins was held out of the practice games in an attempt to keep both players healthy. This is an understandable approach in some ways, but it ignores what Falcons fans have witnessed over the past two seasons.
Whether it was Cousins or Desmond Ridder and Atlanta's starters in 2023, it was clear there was a healthy level of rust to knock off.
One could easily argue that a starting quarterback with only three games under his belt could greatly benefit from the preseason reps. At the very least, allow the starter a series to go out and drive the ball and gain further confidence. Protecting your players from injury is an understandable sentiment, but one that has created a clear weakness.
Preseason games are a jump in speed from practice, with the regular season being another huge jump from preseason. Allowing the natural progression of these reps to prepare you for Week 1 has obvious value. There is a reason why Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid takes this approach despite having played in three straight Super Bowls.
Falcons Makes Questionable Decision Protecting Starters in Preseason Action
There are many opinions on the right way to approach camp and the preseason. However, the easy argument is to look at what the best coaches in the league are doing and follow suit. Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris doesn't see it this way, protecting inexperienced starters, opting for health over reps. It cost the Falcons in the 2024 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The offense was a step behind and consistently slow.
Even facing an underwhelming Justin Fields at quarterback, the Falcons never had a chance, simply being too far behind. For Falcons fans, this is a clear concern heading into a pivotal Week 1 matchup. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open the season against Atlanta, with the winner having the instant inside track for the early division lead.
Morris having his players healthy for this matchup is obviously important, but it doesn't matter if they're ill-prepared and unable to put their best foot forward. The Falcons HC must learn from last year's opener and be able to make the needed adjustments to have his team ready. The management of the preseason is hardly indicative that this is where things are headed as the final week of preparation arrives.