FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Welcome to the Thursday edition of our in-season mailbag! I'll be your second-half-of-the-week guide throughout the fall, answering any final questions ahead of each game.
For those who want to dig into any scheme specifics, fire away! If you're curious about a play call or coaching decision, I'm all ears. This is your space, and I'm here to help provide the answers. We all know Tori does an excellent job of that already, and her most recent mailbag got me absolutely fired up for the season ahead.
Hopefully, I can keep that momentum going!
Mike S. from Calgary
Let the excitement build, the season is finally here!
Looking at the schedule and I think it was said the opening 6 games are a BATTLE... What is a realistic record for the falcons to come out of those games with to have a shot at the division?
Good to hear from you, Mike. It's great to have meaningful football back in our lives, isn't it? The first game for Atlanta could end up meaning a lot when all is said and done, so I feel confident in saying this group is locked in on Week 1 at this point. But, since you asked, I'll take a peek over the horizon; you hit the nail on the head, it's going to be a battle.
The easiest game on paper will come against Carolina in Week 3. But that is a road game inside the division, which means it won't be so easy. As we saw last year, it takes a full season to reach the playoffs, so a slow start doesn't doom anything just like a fast start doesn't guarantee anything. Winning the two early division games would keep them in the NFC South mix, and if there's a game you don't mind losing as much, it's in Week 6 against Buffalo. I think 3-3 is reasonable to expect in that tough stretch, but I'll say Atlanta repeats its fast start from last year — which included a couple wins few predicted ahead of time — and starts the year 4-2 through six games.
Barry F. from Chicago
Is there a Falcons' Radio network? Or are the games only on 92.9`WZGC-GA and also streamed on DAZN?
Hi, Barry, you've come to the right place. There is a Falcons' Radio Network, and 92.9 The Game is the flagship affiliate that broadcasts games in the Atlanta market. However, there are other affiliate stations in the network for various locations throughout the state, and you can listen to games on SiriusXM.
On Sunday mornings, we will publish an article providing information how fans can tune in for each matchup. Throughout the season, it's a little more standardized week to week, but there will be information for how you can watch on cable, stream on the internet or listen on the radio. Whichever you prefer!
@falconfan00 on X/Twitter
To me, cutting Morgan Fox was a sign that Harrison and maybe Dorlus are ready. What do you think?
I think that's exactly the right way to read this situation. We can look at Fox in probably a similar fashion to Jordan Fuller, another veteran signed early in free agency. Those moves were made before the draft and before players reported back for on-field work. Essentially, they were made to guarantee a certain floor of play at safety and the center of the defensive line.
Raheem Morris has been fond of saying he feels the Falcons have two rookie classes because of the sizable jump in playing time expected from second-year players in 2025. Dorlus grabbed my attention early in camp and didn't let go. I think he's really coming into his own ahead of the season, and that growth probably gave the coaches enough comfort move on from Fox. Harrison also looks comfortable in his big end role, and he will have plenty of opportunities to impact games.
A good way to measure the growth of Atlanta's defense in just a handful of months is to consider that we went into April with players like Fox and Fuller penciled into a key rotational role and a starting role, respectively. Now, one is no longer on the roster because of internal development, and the other is a reserve veteran because of a promising rookie. Those are good indicators the young players are ready.
@FatboiSlim_21 on X/Twitter
Who's the biggest X-Factor vs Bucs?
I think the biggest x-factor in this game on either side is at right tackle for the Falcons. At this point, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson says the plan is for Elijah Wilkinson to roll with the starters on Sunday. How will he hold up against a defense that had the second-highest blitz rate in the league last season? That might matter more than anything else in this game for a potentially potent offense.
Defensively, I feel like Divine Deablo will be a key player. His ability to control the middle of the field in coverage and key on the run quickly to fill gaps could make the difference for Jeff Ulbrich's unit. Without two of their top pass catchers, I expect the Bucs to run the ball or attach the middle of the field through the air. Because of that, Deablo could be involved a lot.
