1. Raheem Morris
Raheem Morris has been coaching since 1998 when he started as a graduate assistant for Hofstra. Working his way up the ladder Morris was given a chance in 2009 as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Bucs. After 11 years of coaching things finally seemed to be falling into place for the coach.
However, what Morris had to sacrifice to become a head coach at such a young age was control. The roster and many decisions were made above his head with the coach having to pay the consequences without the needed power. Morris was set up for failure and the results showed just that. When an overachieving 2010 team built up unrealistic expectations the following season was the end for Morris. Quarterback Josh Freeman was a complete mess and the needed pieces simply weren't there. Morris paid the price and has spent the time since working to earn another chance.
Since leaving Tampa in 2011, Morris has worked his way back spending time with Washington, and Atlanta, and winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Atlanta's head coach has had to work harder than many it appears for a legitimate shot at the head coaching role. Morris understands that Atlanta is his second and likely last chance, the energy and decisions will reflect this as the coach looks for redemption.
2. Kyle Pitts
What is more at fault for Kyle Pitts lack of production is truly an odd debate. You must factor in the quarterback, play calling, play design, injuries, and the talent around him. While the truly elite receivers need very little to make it work it is clear that Pitts needs some things to fall his way to produce at a high level.
It is easy to look back at Kyle's draft class and consider the far better fit that were sitting there for Atlanta. Namely Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons who would bring the skillset Atlanta so badly lack.
Regardless, it is fair to say that Pitts hasn't lived up to expectations. While it is unfair to call the fourth-year player a bust the last two years of production have been unacceptable. Whether Pitts wasn't fully healthy and shouldn't have been on the field or it was a coaching failure, a player of Pitts talent should managed close to 1,000-yards easily.
Even in Atlanta's chaotic offense, the lack of production was concerning. Drake London and Bijan Robinson both were clerly held back as well but found ways to produce at a higher level. Pitts has a lot to prove heading into the year looking to put up a season that will demand both respect and a future payday.
3. Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins simply cannot shake the playoff and prime-time reputation he has been given. Fairly or not it is part of the quarterback's legacy as we enter the final chapters of his career. This season is going to be a great chance to change that.
The NFC is wide open and you will have a handful of prime time games including against the defending champs. Cousins can go a long way in changing the conversation by simply showing up in prime time and finding a way to be relevant in the postseason.
This doesn't mean an unrealistic Super Bowl run but rather showing up and being the clear reason, this team has a chance against more proven competition. Cousins can do a lot to change his reputation in Atlanta by taking the Falcons back to the playoffs for the first time in 2017.
Showing up in featured games and playing at a high level is not the only thing Cousins must do to begin to change the conversation. The Falcons need a hot finish to the year and must find a way to pull off an early upset. Whether that is on the road in Philly or at home against the Chiefs, Cousins, and Atlanta need to find early momentum.
