Falcons QB Drama Meets Safety Surge | NFL News

0:00It's September 7th. This is NFL News today, powered by AI tracking teams, players and standings. Alright, let's talk about the Atlanta Falcons. The big news is, they finally settled on their starting quarterback for week one against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's too a toggle Veloah, though honestly it feels more like he's the only one left standing. Michael Penix isn't game ready yet, and the other options on the roster are a bit of a red flag if we're being real. On the defensive side, the cornerback situation is looking decent, especially with rookie Avion Terrell joining the squad, but the real excitement is at safety. You've got Jesse Bates III, a proven star, and then there's Xavier Watts, who had a seriously impressive rookie year. Some folks are really high on Watts. One analyst over at ESPN is predicting he'll be an all pro by 2026. He's already showing flashes, snagging five interceptions last season, and keeping opposing passer ratings down. Of course, Watts isn't the only talent at safety in the league.

1:02He's got competition from guys like Kyle Hamilton and Antoine Winfield Jr. But if he can tighten up his run defense, which is the main area for improvement, he could really become a complete player. So while the quarterback situation is a bit shaky, the Falcons are building something solid on defense, and Xavier Watts is definitely a name to. Watch for big things in the coming seasons.