FLOWERY BRANCH — With a new coach and quarterback, optimism is high as the Falcons are set to report for training camp Wednesday.
Because of the hiring of Raheem Morris and the signing of Kirk Cousins in free agency, the Falcons are predicted by many prognosticators to knock off three-time defending NFC South champion Tampa Bay.
Even Las Vegas is high on the Falcons, with several betting houses giving them a 9.5 over/under on their win-total projection. They are ignoring that the Falcons have posted six consecutive losing seasons.
Cousins is coming back from a ruptured Achilles and turns 36 on Aug. 19. In addition, defensive stalwart Grady Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowl lineman, is working his way back from knee surgery.
“Our goal for 2024 as a defense is to be top five in every single category,” second-team All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III said. “That’s the goal.”