The expectations for the Falcons this coming season are all over the map, but the clear assumption is pretty universal. Whether this team is good or bad, Atlanta figures to be a work in progress for the 2022 season.
The first preseason game can’t supersede those expectations, obviously, but it was a sign that we may be headed in a better direction than the one these listless Falcons have been charting the past few seasons. Against a game and physical Lions team, the Falcons stayed competitive until the end and ultimately won, showing more than a little bit of pass rushing acumen, a more than fair amount of passing acumen, and plenty of the toughness that Arthur Smith and company hope will carry the day this coming season.