Falcons protection could begin 4 rookies in first-game take a look at in opposition to Buccaneers and Mayfield – AccessWDUN

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are making a powerful dedication to youth on protection with as many as 4 rookies, together with two edge rushers drafted within the first spherical, anticipated to begin in Sunday’s opener in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and veteran receiver Mike Evans ought to present a stiff problem for the Atlanta rookies.
“Unbelievable take a look at while you discuss Baker, the information he has, the quantity of expertise he has with completely different groups and all the pieces he has carried out has been spectacular, notably throughout the final couple of years,” Falcons second-year coach Raheem Morris stated Wednesday.
The Falcons invested closely in bettering a protection that ranked next-to-last with 31 sacks in 2024. Atlanta doubled down on edge rushers within the first spherical, drafting Jalon Walker from Georgia at No. 15 after which touchdown one other first-round choose in a commerce with the Los Angeles Rams so as to add Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles stated Pearce “was a heck of a move rusher in school. He may actually run.”
Bowles stated Walker was “certainly one of my favourite gamers within the draft” and “can do a number of issues for them exterior, inside. … So, between the 2 of them, they actually infused themselves with two younger, good move rushers.”
Nickel again Billy Bowman Jr. and security Xavier Watts are Atlanta’s different attainable rookie starters on protection.
In 2024, Mayfield grew to become the fourth player in NFL history to throw for at the very least 4,000 yards with 40 touchdowns whereas finishing at the very least 70% of his passes. Working again Bucky Irving additionally returns from an offense that ranked within the high 5 in passing, speeding and scoring.
Regardless of profitable the NFC South, the Buccaneers have been swept by the Falcons final season. They don’t really feel they’ve something to show in opposition to Atlanta.
“It’s a new season, (it) doesn’t matter what we did final yr, it doesn’t matter what occurred previously,” middle Graham Barton stated. “Week 1 of this yr, we’re simply seeking to go 1-0. Clearly, Atlanta, we went 0-2 in opposition to them final yr, so it will be superior to go down there Week 1 and get a win.”
Kirk Cousins led the Falcons to each of these victories, throwing for 785 yards and eight TDs whereas main the crew to 67 factors.
Cousins will watch from the sideline whereas Michael Penix Jr. enters his first full season because the starter. Penix didn’t play within the preseason.
“You put together for the scheme versus the quarterback,” Bowles stated. ”(Penix) has sure issues he likes, I’m certain, they usually have sure issues they prefer to run for him. We’ve simply bought to play essentially sound soccer. The primary three weeks are going to be like that. And all people’s going to have new wrinkles. No one goes to be settled in but. So, for us to play quick and play sound, we’ve simply bought to execute.”
Mayfield bought one other playmaker when the Buccaneers drafted Emeka Egbuka within the first spherical to affix Evans and Chris Godwin. Additionally they drafted Tez Johnson so as to add to a deep huge receiver corps that features Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Kameron Johnson and Jaden Smith. Whereas Godwin and McMillan are out with accidents, Mayfield nonetheless has loads of choices.
He didn’t have Evans, Godwin and McMillan for one stretch final season and nonetheless practically led the Buccaneers to a win at Kansas Metropolis.
“Clearly (Johnson) and (Egbuka) are new however we belief them and we’re wanting ahead to them making performs for us,” Mayfield stated.
Mayfield, Evans, left deal with Tristan Wirfs, linebacker Lavonte David, nostril deal with Vita Vea and robust security Antoine Winfield Jr. have been voted the Buccaneers’ captains. The Falcons’ captains are Penix, proper guard Chris Linstrom, left deal with Jake Matthews, security Jessie Bates III, linebacker Kaden Elliss and punter Bradley Pinion.
Although he was born in Tennessee, Penix grew up within the Tampa Bay space and says he has transformed some household and mates to the Falcons. He additionally acknowledged the matchup with the Buccaneers has sparked some trash speaking with a few of these connections.
“Yeah, I get it some,” Penix stated. “Somebody is perhaps rooting for you however we’re rooting for our crew, the house crew again there. However it’s not that unhealthy. , lots of people the place I’m from in my metropolis, they’re rooting for me and at all times want me want you good luck and most of them are followers of the Falcons now.”
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AP Professional Soccer Author Rob Maaddi in Tampa, Florida, contributed to this report.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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