Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Monday, January 4th

The 2020 season came to a close just like it started: with another Atlanta Falcons loss. We’re now fully focused on the GM and head coaching search as this promises to be a busy offseason in Atlanta. Read on for the final Falcoholinks from the 2020 NFL season.

Falcons - Bucs recap

The Falcons seemingly phoned it in in Tampa, dropping their 12th contest of the season — the first time they’ve lost that many games since 2013. They mustered together a comeback effort in the second half just to let it get out of hand.

With their loss and the insanity that took place in the Houston and Tennessee game, the Falcons have locked in the fourth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Injuries

The final Falcons game of 2020 did not conclude without injury, unfortunately, as Pro Bowl defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was forced to leave in the second quarter with an apparent groin injury. He was initially listed as questionable but would not return. His season ends with an injury.

Opponents set

With the Falcons’ loss and fourth place finish in the NFC South, their opponents for 2021 are officially set. You can see the full slate right here.

Ryan passes Favre

Matt Ryan’s two touchdown performance on Sunday tied — and then moved ahead of — Brett Favre’s mark at 4th all-time for the most touchdown passes through 13 seasons. We don’t know what’s head for Ryan in Atlanta, but he’s certainly enjoyed a stellar career since drafted in 2008.

Trading down is back on the menu

Former Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff was not too keen on trading down in drafts. Nay: when Trader Thomas worked a deal it traditionally involved moving up in the order to nab his guy.

With a new general manager in place prior to the draft, however, trading back is a distinct possibility — especially if the Falcons’ top target in unavailable when they select.

Julio and the road ahead

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension in 2019, but with a new regime incoming, Julio’s age, and his injury-plagued 2020 season, is it possible that Atlanta decides to move on from its best wide receiver in franchise history?

Our Kevin Knight broke down Julio Jones’ contract situation and if it’s even feasible for the Falcons to part ways with Jones.

Interview tracker

A few more interesting names have been added to our GM/Head coach interview tracker. Raheem Morris interviewed over the weekend for the opportunity to become the Falcons full-time head coach,

The Falcoholic Live Postgame Special

The crew from The Falcoholic Live also wrapped up the 2020 NFL season on Sunday, dissecting the Falcons’ Week 17 win/loss in Tampa Bay. If you missed the live broadcast you can watch the whole episode right here.