The Atlanta Falcons will look to improve their poor pass rush this year and implement a few more players into the team's offense this upcoming season. The running back room is already stacked, with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier splitting carries while simultaneously acting as workhorse backs.
As long as Kyle Pitts is around for the upcoming season, his targets could also be up. Especially during the last year of his rookie contract, when trying to earn a veteran's contract in Atlanta or elsewhere beyond the season.
Wide receiver Drake London is the main offensive player who needs a career year. During his rookie year, London was targeted 117 times, caught 72 passes, and scored 4 touchdowns during the 2022 season. Dealing with shoddy quarterback play would hinder London in 2023, where he would still be targeted 110 times and have 69 receptions.
Last season, the targets were way up. London was targeted 158 times, caught 100 passes, and scored 9 touchdowns, earning himself his first 1,000-yard season with 1,271 yards receiving. With Michael Penix Jr. thrust into the starting lineup for the final three games after Kirk Cousins was benched, London would total 22 catches for 353 yards and 2 TDs.
The connection was there for London and the rookie QB. The offensive numbers should improve significantly with Penix Jr. under center. Still a young quarterback, Penix will look to London more as a security blanket measure, which should increase the numbers from last season.
London can provide many options due to his size alone and ability to high-point any football over smaller defenders.
