The were supposed to be a lot of things this season. A competent, sometimes explosive passing attack. A dominant rushing team. An improved defense that could help keep them in games. An elite special teams group. A well-coached squad finally finding their way to the top of the NFC South. A big change from five grinding years of losing seasons and of wait until next year.
There are eight games to go, and the Falcons have been some of these things for stretches, especially on defense. The largely brilliant free agent class has largely delivered.