PFF names the top three players on the Atlanta Falcons
PFF names the top three players on the Atlanta Falcons
PFF's Trevor Sikkema named the top three players on the Atlanta Falcons as we are headed into the 2024 NFL season. The three most recognizable names on the Falcons are probably the first-round picks for the last three years: Running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. However, none of the three made Sikkema's list, nor were they in the honorable mention at the end, a testament to the talent on this roster and how potentially lethal this team can be. Sikkema's three players are actually all veterans, the youngest being in the NFL for six years, and we dive into all three of them and their impact on the 2024 Atlanta Falcons.
1) RG Chris Lindstrom
Chris Lindstrom was once again the highest-graded Falcons player on offense last season, earning an 89.7 overall grade. This marks the third year in a row where he has graded above 84.0 as one of the best offensive linemen in football.
Throughout the Arthur Smith era, there was one thing that fans could hang their hat on without fail: The ascension of Lindstrom. Since 2019, the now-27-year-old Lindstrom's PFF grade has continued to improve from year to year, with the only drop coming last year from his uber-elite 95.0 to a just regularly elite 87.6.
- 2019: 66.6
- 2020: 77.1
- 2021: 83.7
- 2022: 95.0
- 2023: 87.6
Lindstrom's 98.4 efficiency grade ranked 7th in the NFL and is his 2nd-best grade in his career thus far. There's no signs of Lindstrom's elite play dropping off any time soon.
2) S Jessie Bates
Safety Jessie Bates III also earned an elite season grade (90.6), and he was named a first-team All-Pro.
There wasn't a better acquisition for Atlanta last season than Bates. Under now-Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, Bates set career highs in total tackles (132), solo tackles (89), interceptions (6), forced fumbles (3) and passer rating allowed when targeted (67.1) on his way to his first Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selection. Bates showcased his versatility under Nielsen. Now, under head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, there is a chance Bates could be just as efficient.
3) Kirk Cousins
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is new in town and coming off one of his least aggressive seasons in terms of pushing the ball down the field and big-time throws, which could be a sign his age is catching up to him. But he has been so efficient in his career that he can’t be left off this list, as he will be a major catalyst for Atlanta's playoff push, if one is to be made.
Sikkema has shown that Cousins' lack of pushing the football last season could signal a possible decline. While it's certainly an aspect to keep an eye on, Cousins was also on the way to one of his best seasons as a full-time starter in 2023 before his season-ending injury. He and the Vikings were starting to ascend in the four weeks leading up to his injury, having his Adjusted Net Yards/Attempt essentially improve week-to-week:
- Week 5 - vs. KC: 5.98
- Week 6 - @ Chicago: 5.88
- Week 7 - vs. San Francisco: 8.29
- Week 8 - @ GB: 10.13
Cousins may struggle out the gate this season, but if he is able to give the Falcons this sort of efficiency per snap, Atlanta's playoff push could be more than just a long-awaited playoff berths.