Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Thursday, Jan. 9

Thursday links, of the Falcoholinks variety. Read on for the latest Atlanta Falcons news, notes, and narratives.

What to do with Wes?

Falcons guard Wes Schweitzer is an unrestricted free agent heading into 2020, but as 2019 demonstrated, Atlanta’s offensive line is more moving parts than complete, consistent unit.

Schweitzer has proven his value as a capable enough stand-in, and considering free agent acquisitions James Carpenter and Jamon Brown have both shown they cannot be relied upon, will the Falcons elect to retain Wes Schweitzer?

Reviewing the receivers

Atlanta parted ways with Mohamed Sanu mid-season, securing a second round draft pick in the process. That opened up some snaps for the wide receivers further down the depth chart, and their performance (especially that of Russell Gage) should spark some confidence in the complementary pieces of the receiving corps.

The Falcons of course possess the best wide receiver in the game in Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley was putting together a fine season prior to his season-ending injury. So how would we evaluate the unit as a whole heading into 2020?

Priorities

With the 2019 season ending with a four game winning streak yet a lackluster 7-9 record, it’s abundantly clear that the Falcons have numerous areas they must improve if they hope to contend next season. So where should they focus? The trenches, of course.

We say that each and every year.

East-West Shrine Bowl news

The 95th annual East-West Shrine Bowl takes place on January 18th, and the Falcons will have an up close view at some of the college prospects looking to take the leap to the NFL. It was announced yesterday that Atlanta Falcons offensive assistant Ben Steele will serve as a head coach in the game.