Russell Wilson could've landed in Atlanta before heading to Pittsburgh
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In a recent episode of the "Fantasy Football Metrics" podcast, Denver Broncos radio host Ben Allbright made a bold claim about the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation. He guaranteed that if Arthur Smith were still the head coach of the Falcons, their next quarterback would have been Russell Wilson. Allbright, though not officially tasked with breaking news for the Broncos, suggested that Atlanta's quarterback roster would have also included Justin Fields as a backup, mirroring a situation similar to that of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Allbright's assertion is a significant departure from the Falcons' current strategy. Instead of investing heavily in Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix, Jr., he believes the team would have opted for a more cost-effective approach by attempting to salvage a Wilson-Fields quarterback tandem. This hypothesis, while speculative, opens up interesting discussions about the potential direction of the Falcons under Smith's continued leadership.
The notion of saving money on quarterbacks to allocate resources elsewhere aligns with practical team-building strategies. For instance, the funds saved could be used to secure high-caliber free agents to fill other critical roles. This approach could have helped mitigate the impact of losing key defensive players like Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree. Alternatively, it might have allowed the Falcons to strengthen their secondary by acquiring a second cornerback, thereby improving their overall team defense. However, despite these potential benefits, uncertainties at the quarterback position would likely remain a significant concern.
This hypothetical scenario adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming opening day matchup between the Steelers and Falcons. With both teams potentially having pursued similar strategies at quarterback, the game becomes even more compelling. Fans and analysts alike would be keen to see how a Wilson-Fields duo might have fared against the Steelers' own roster.
Allbright's comments highlight the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the NFL. The league's roster-building strategies and player movements often create fascinating storylines, making it a premier source of entertainment for fans. The idea that a different coaching decision could have led to a drastically different quarterback room for the Falcons exemplifies the many "what if" scenarios that fuel fan speculation and discussion.
While Allbright's guarantee regarding Arthur Smith and the Falcons' quarterback situation is purely speculative, it provides an interesting perspective on the team's potential alternate path.