The Atlanta Falcons are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to shake off the disappointment of their lackluster 2023 season. After a dismal 7-10 finish and the departure of former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to the Steelers, the Falcons have been on a mission to revamp their roster. It’s no wonder that ESPN’s Marc Raimondi singled out one of their new acquisitions as a standout during OTAs and minicamps – and frankly, it’s no surprise to me either.
Atlanta went all out in rebuilding their offense, which ranged from inconsistent to downright chaotic under Smith’s tenure. They brought in speedsters like Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore to inject some much-needed velocity into their play. Yet, amidst all the buzz around these big names, it was the under-the-radar addition of Ray-Ray McCloud from the San Francisco 49ers that turned heads the most before the summer hiatus.
Back in March, McCloud’s signing was overshadowed by splashier moves involving Kirk Cousins and Mooney. Many pegged the veteran, entering his seventh season, as primarily a return specialist. However, McCloud surprised by making waves with the first team in spring sessions, connecting effectively with Cousins for significant gains. With offensive coordinator Zac Robinson eyeing a diverse receiver rotation, McCloud has carved out a role alongside stars like Drake London and Mooney, as well as emerging talents such as Rondale Moore and rookie Casey Washington.
In San Francisco, McCloud earned his stripes as a punt and kickoff return ace, racking up impressive yardage totals. His ability to contribute on special teams made him a valuable asset under the new kickoff rules. Now, cementing his place in Atlanta’s receiver corps, McCloud has transformed into a versatile weapon – a “four-down player,” as they say – poised to elevate the Falcons’ offensive arsenal in 2024.
With McCloud’s unexpected impact and the Falcons’ determined overhaul, Atlanta’s offense is gearing up to be a force to reckon with this upcoming season. Watch out, NFL – the Falcons are flying under the radar with a newfound speed and depth that could spell trouble for their opponents.
