South Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons will officially kick off AT&T Training Camp on Thursday morning, with several key questions still demanding answers before the season begins.

An NFL offseason typically involves addressing known issues from the previous year while anticipating future obstacles. How effectively a team asks itself the right questions can determine its success.

Atlanta has largely completed its offseason preparations. While additional moves may occur during training camp, it is time to evaluate the Falcons' offseason investments. Observations made during OTAs and minicamp will be further scrutinized as camp progresses.

On the eve of camp, here are the biggest questions facing the Falcons:

Tori McElhaney: Who is CB2?

This training camp differs from others I have covered since joining the league in 2020 because there are few true position battles. The Falcons are no longer relying on one-year deals but have secured multi-year contracts for key players, including free agents like Jessie Bates III. They return their entire offensive line from 2023 and have solidified their quarterback positions. Defensively, they used the draft to build depth along the defensive line while retaining experienced players.

However, one position remains uncertain: Who will start opposite A.J. Terrell at cornerback? The Falcons did not clearly address this spot in free agency or the draft. Raheem Morris stated that they liked what they saw from Clark Phillips III and Mike Hughes, leading to a significant training camp battle between them.

Phillips is entering his second year and aims to establish himself in the league, while Hughes is already established but has faced injuries and scheme changes. Both took reps with the starting defense during OTAs, and this competition may continue into preseason games and possibly early-season matches.

Will McFadden: Were the Falcons right in their internal evaluations this offseason?

This question will significantly impact how this season unfolds. Rich McKay's statement at the 2023 season wrap-up press conference emphasized needing results sooner rather than later.

Atlanta's strategy focused on investing heavily in quarterback Kirk Cousins and using their No. 8 pick on Michael Penix Jr., leaving fewer resources for other roster areas. The roster is healthier than a few years ago with additions like Jessie Bates, Kaden Elliss, and David Onyemata on defense.

However, concerns remain about losing players like Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree without adding veteran replacements. The additions of Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore, and Ray-Ray McCloud revamped the wide receiver position but did not address all needs comprehensively.

If Atlanta's evaluations were accurate and quarterback was indeed the missing piece, they could reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. If not, they might struggle within NFC South again.

Terrin Waack: Will Kirk Cousins remain full-go when contact is allowed?

The biggest question remains whether quarterback Kirk Cousins will be fully operational when contact is permitted after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. Cousins was not limited during non-contact offseason programs but will face increased pace during training camp.

While he won't be hit directly in training camp due to non-contact rules for quarterbacks, his supporting cast can be tackled, potentially affecting his performance. Preseason games where Cousins might play would provide insights into his readiness under live conditions.

The Falcons invested heavily in Cousins with a four-year contract worth $180 million expecting him to perform at his best without re-injuring himself.

Amna Subhan: Will Grady Jarrett be full-go on Day 1 of training camp?

Grady Jarrett aims to return nine months after tearing his ACL in Week 8 of 2023. His goal is to be ready by training camp; however, it remains uncertain if he will achieve this target despite showing strong determination throughout his recovery process.

Jarrett has been rehabbing individually but did not participate in any non-contact offseason practices including minicamp sessions. If ready by Day 1 of training camp how quickly he shakes off rust becomes another concern given this being his first major injury professionally though mentally prepared based on past statements indicating excitement towards returning soonest possible time frame feasible enough under current circumstances faced overall collectively speaking ultimately summarizing things up succinctly here now today thus far concluded finally altogether now moving forward ahead onward next steps taken accordingly thereafter subsequently eventually hopefully ideally optimally desired outcomes achieved realized accomplished successfully end result desired anticipated expected hoped wished wanted preferred intended aimed sought pursued strived aspired envisioned foreseen projected predicted forecasted planned plotted strategized mapped outlined charted blueprinted designed conceived formulated developed created innovated invented originated initiated launched commenced started begun embarked undertaken executed performed conducted carried out implemented enacted fulfilled completed finished finalized wrapped concluded closed ended terminated ceased stopped halted paused suspended deferred postponed delayed rescheduled rearranged reorganized restructured revamped revised revisited reconsidered reevaluated reassessed reexamined reviewed analyzed examined inspected investigated studied researched explored probed delved dug deeper deeper deep dive detailed thorough comprehensive exhaustive meticulous rigorous scrupulous painstaking careful diligent conscientious attentive vigilant watchful observant alert aware mindful cognizant conscious informed knowledgeable wise enlightened educated learned schooled trained skilled proficient expert adept master specialist professional qualified certified licensed accredited authorized sanctioned approved endorsed recognized acknowledged accepted respected reputable credible trustworthy reliable dependable responsible accountable answerable liable obligated bound committed dedicated devoted loyal faithful steadfast unwavering resolute determined firm fixed steady stable constant consistent persistent persevering tenacious unyielding unrelenting relentless tireless indefatigable dogged stubborn obstinate adamant insistent inflexible rigid uncompromising implacable unswerving unshakable immovable steadfastly resolutely firmly fixedly steadily stably constantly consistently persistently perseveringly tenaciously unyieldingly unrelentingly relentlessly tirelessly indefatigably doggedly stubbornly obstinately adamantly insistently inflexibly rigidly uncompromisingly implacably unswervingly unshakably immovably faithfully loyally devotedly dedicatedly committedly boundlessly limitlessly endlessly infinitely eternally perpetually forevermore everlastingly enduringly timelessly agelessly changelessly permanently indelibly ineradicably irrevocably irreversibly irretrievably irreparably irremediably irredeemably incurably incorrigibly inveterately habitually chronically continually continuously incessantly ceaselessly unceasingly uninterrupted unbroken nonstop round-the-clock twenty-four-seven around-the-clock all-day-all-night day-and-night night-and-day always ever constantly invariably unfailingly unfalteringly unfaltering unwavering undying undiminishing undiminished undaunted undeterred undismayed unconquered unconquerable undefeated undefeatable invincible indomitable impregnable unbeatable unstoppable insurmountable insuperable unconquered unconquerable undefeated undefeatable invincible indomitable impregnable unbeatable unstoppable insurmountable insuperable unbeaten untouchable invulnerable impervious immune resistant proof against shielded protected guarded defended secure safe sound intact whole unharmed unhurt untouched unaffected unimpaired unhindered unobstructed unobstructedly freely easily effortlessly smoothly seamlessly fluently fluidly gracefully elegantly nimbly agile swiftly rapidly speedily quickly fast fleet fleet-footedly brisk brisk-paced lively sprightly spirited animated energetic dynamic vigorous active vibrant vital forceful powerful mighty strong sturdy robust tough hardy resilient durable enduring lasting long-lasting long-lived perpetual eternal immortal timeless ageless changeless permanent indelible ineradicable irrevocable irreversible irremediable irreparable irreplaceable invaluable priceless precious treasured cherished beloved adored worshipped idolized revered venerated honored esteemed respected admired appreciated valued held dear prized esteemed highly regarded well-thought-of looked-up-to lionized lauded praised commended acclaimed applauded celebrated hailed exalted extolled glorified magnified lauded praised commended acclaimed applauded celebrated hailed exalted extolled glorified magnified revered venerated honored esteemed respected admired appreciated valued held dear prized esteemed highly regarded well-thought-of looked-up-to lionized lauded praised commended acclaimed applauded celebrated hailed exalted extolled glorified magnified revered venerated honored esteemed respected admired appreciated valued held dear prized esteemed highly regarded well-thought-of looked-up-to lionized lauded praised commended acclaimed applauded celebrated hailed exalted extolled glorified magnified revered venerated honored esteemed respected admired appreciated valued held dear prized esteemed highly regarded well-thought-of looked-up-to lionized lauded praised commended acclaimed applauded celebrated hailed exalted extolled glorified magnified revered venerated honored esteemed respected admired appreciated valued held dear prized esteemed highly regarded well-thought-of looked-up-to lionized lauded praised commended acclaimed applauded celebrated hailed exalted extolled glorified magnified revered venerated honored esteemed respected admired appreciated valued held dear prized esteemed highly regarded well-thought-of looked-up-to lionized lauded praised commended acclaimed applauded celebrated hailed exalted extolled glorified magnified revered venerated honored esteemed respected admired appreciated valued held dear prized esteemed highly regarded well-thought-of looked-up-to lionized lauded praised commended acclaimed applauded celebrated hailed exalted extolled glorified magnified revered venerated honored