Diese Termine sollte man unbedingt im Kalender vormerken.
NFL Combine 2024 (26. Februar - 4. März)
Kaum ist der Super Bowl vorbei geht es in der NFL Welt nahtlos weiter. Vom Donnerstag bis Sonntag fand dieses Jahr der NFL Combine im Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis statt. Der neue Head Coach der Falcons, Raheem Morris, sowie General Manager Terry Fontenot waren für die Franchise mit dabei. Ihr aktuelles Ziel ist es, einen Kader zusammenzustellen, der in der Lage ist, sich zum ersten Mal seit sieben Spielzeiten für die Play-offs zu qualifizieren. Dazu gehört auch der Besuch des Combine. Der NFL Combine ist ein jährliches Ereignis, bei dem College-Footballspieler, die für den Draft in Frage kommen, ihre Fähigkeiten vor den Augen von Scouts, Coaches und General Managern der 32 NFL-Teams präsentieren.
Franchise Tag Deadline (5. März)
Wenn ein Spieler in die Free Agency eintritt, aber sein Team ihn unbedingt halten will, kann es ihn in der Regel mit dem Franchise Tag ausstatten. Dadurch wird der Spieler für eine weitere Saison an das Team gebunden und erhält ein Gehalt, das zu den höchsten der Liga zählt. Die Vergabe des Franchise Tags erfordert daher eine sorgfältige Abwägung. Im Jahr 2023 haben nur sechs Spieler in der gesamten Liga den Franchise Tag erhalten. Die Falcons haben noch bis zum 5. März Zeit, um den Franchise Tag zu vergeben. In der vergangenen Saison haben die Falcons von dieser Option keinen Gebrauch gemacht und es wird auch in diesem Jahr nicht erwartet.
Join us as we take a look back on our favorite photos from the Atlanta Falcons' 2023 season.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the Week 6 Game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 15, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 1 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Week 18 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, January 7, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 14 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 10, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 10 Game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 8 Game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, October 29, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 scores a touchdown after an interception during the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 26, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of the Week 16 Game against the Indianapolis Colts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 celebrates with offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65 after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Houston Texans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 8, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 scores a touchdown after an interception during the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 26, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
General view after a touchdown during the second half of the Week 2 Game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 26, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 14 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 10, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs for a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 16 Game against the Indianapolis Colts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 24, 2023. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 1 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 runs for a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs for a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 17 Game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, December 31, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 14 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 10, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs in for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Houston Texans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 8, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs for a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 1 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 scores a touchdown during the Week 6 Game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 15, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 returns a punt for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 11, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 2 Game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs for the endzone during the fourth quarter of the Week 1 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 scores a touchdown during the Week 6 Game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 15, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 scores a touchdown during the Week 1 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 celebrates with teammates after running for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Week 7 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 22, 2023. (Photo by Kim Klement/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a pass for a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 4 Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 1, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 1 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 scores a touchdown during the Week 2 Game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 1 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 1 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 10, 2023. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 2 Game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Start der Free Agency (11. März/13. März)
Kurz darauf startet die Free Agency. Ab dem 11. März dürfen die Falcons Kontakt zu potenziell verfügbaren Spielern aufnehmen und mit ihnen Verhandlungen führen. Im vergangenen Jahr verpflichteten die Atlanta Falcons in dieser Zeit unter anderem Kaleb McGary, Taylor Heinicke, Jessie Bates III, David Onyemata und Mack Hollins. Trades und Neuverpflichtungen werden jedoch offiziell erst ab dem 13. März möglich sein, wenn das neue Ligajahr und die Free Agency offiziell beginnen.
Beginn der ersten Trainingseinheiten (1. April)
Teams, die einen neuen Head Coach für die Saison 2024 haben, können ab April mit den Trainingseinheiten beginnen. Raheem Morris wird also bald sein erstes Training als permanenter Head Coach der Falcons leiten. Diese ersten Einheiten sind freiwillig und konzentrieren sich hauptsächlich auf die körperliche Fitness. Teams, die ihren bisherigen Head Coach behalten haben, dürfen erst zwei Wochen später mit dem Training beginnen.
NFL Draft in Detroit (25.-27. April)
Das wohl bedeutendste Ereignis der Offseason steht Ende April an, und unser Alesantoz, der NFL International Fan of the Year, wird live vor Ort sein. Beim Draft haben die Teams die Möglichkeit, sich mit den besten Nachwuchsspielern zu verstärken. Im Jahr 2023 holten die Falcons bekanntlich Bijan Robinson als ihren Nr. 1 Draft Pick nach Atlanta.
Das Training beginnt (Mai-Juli)
Schon im Mai beginnen Teams mit dem ersten Training für ihre Rookies. Ende Mai oder Anfang Juni stehen dann die ersten Trainingseinheiten und Minicamps an. In diesen frühen Phasen geht es oft mehr ums Kennenlernen und Teambuilding als um intensives Training. Manchmal sind diese Minicamps auch verpflichtend, aber nicht alle Spieler nehmen daran teil, besonders wenn sie noch in Vertragsverhandlungen stecken. Ende Juli starten dann die intensiven Trainingcamps, wo es richtig zur Sache geht.
Beginn der Preseason (1. August)
Im August geht es los mit der Preseason, die mit dem Hall of Fame Game in Ohio eingeläutet wird. Danach folgen drei weitere Spiele. In der Preseason bekommen vor allem die jungen und neuen Spieler eine Chance, sich zu zeigen. Sie können sich in diesen Testspielen für einen Platz im finalen Kader empfehlen. Die etablierten Stars und Stammspieler spielen meist nur kurz oder überhaupt nicht.
Kickoff der NFL Saison 2024 (5. September)
Und dann beginnt die Action: Im September starten die Atlanta Falcons in die neue Saison. Die Heimgegner der Falcons sind in diesem Jahr die Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks und Pittsburgh Steelers. Auswärts müssen die Falcons gegen die Panthers, Saints, Bucs, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders und Minnesota Vikings ran.
