Author: Sahil Jain
Calais Campbell’s decision to sign with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal came as a surprise to many soccer fans, but the veteran DL believes he’s ahead of the curve. Campbell is believing in coach Arthur Smith’s vision for the team, which he believes will exceed expectations this year.
The Falcons have always exceeded expectations under Smith, who made the difficult decision to move on from Matt Ryan last season. With a rebuilding team and no cap, Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot understood that they would have to find a quarterback in the offseason, turning to Marcus Mariota and drafting Desmond Ridder in the third round. Despite finishing with a 7 – 10 campaign, the Falcons can see the season as a relative success, as it was a foundation for a better future.
Campbell, a seasoned veteran with six Pro Bowls and a spot on the 2010s all-decade team, can provide leadership by example and direction to a young Falcons team that should benefit from his experience. His role will be to play true D-end, playing on the edge on first and second down, which attracted him a lot. Campbell spent his last few seasons chasing a ring with the Ravens, where he made an impact, but never got close enough to a Super Bowl.
Unlike the rugged AFC North, the NFC South offers plenty of opportunities for the Falcons.“This team plays in a division that I feel is wide open,” Campbell said. “They play in a conference that I feel it’s possible to get to the playoffs – it’s their number one goal – and once you get to the playoffs, it’s anybody’s game, especially a team that plays good defense and runs the ball. That’s playoff soccer.“
Expectations are high for a team that hasn’t won eight games since 2017 and still has a second-year quarterback as its starter. However, a winner cannot be a surprise without first overcoming some doubts. Campbell believes that if Ridder continues to develop and be who he thinks he can be, the Falcons will be playing at the end of January and possibly in February.
In conclusion, Campbell’s decision to sign with the Falcons is a positive move for both the team and him. The Falcons will benefit from Campbell’s experience and leadership, while Campbell will have the opportunity to play a significant role in a team that is on the rise. Although the team faces a tough road ahead, with the right mindset and hard work, the Falcons can exceed expectations and prove that they are a plausible contender in the NFC South.