LA Chargers 2020 opponent preview: Atlanta Falcons
By Jason Reed
Atlanta Falcons’ key additions and subtractions:
Additions:
Todd Gurley is the most notable addition that the Falcons made this offseason and he is going to be one of the most intriuging players in the NFL in 2020. Gurley was the best running back in football by a landslide just two years ago but knee problems caught up to him and limited his production.
He is still a very solid running back, he just was not worth the money the Los Angeles Rams were paying him. Thus, he was released, and the Falcons have true potential to strike gold if he finds his old form.
The team also brought in another solid former Ram in Dante Fowler Jr, who is going to do great in bolstering the Falcons’ pass-rush. The team also traded for tight end Hayden Hurst to make up for a pretty big subtraction on offense.
The team’s first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was cornerback A.J. Terrell from Clemson. He was the third cornerback taken in the draft.
Subtractions:
The big subtraction that the Falcons had to overcome was losing Austin Hooper to the Cleveland Browns. However, in getting Hurst, the team should be able to get similar production, minimizing the impact of this loss.
The team also lost several playmakers on the defensive side of the football that were made up either in free agency or the draft. Cornerback Desmond Trufant and defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and Vic Beasley all signed elsewhere in free agency. The team also lost linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to the Arizona Cardinals.
The team also released Devonta Freeman, who was upgraded with Gurley.