BREAKING: Falcons makes predictable decision naming season’s team captains
With head coach Raheem Morris’ penchant for veterans evident during camp and the preseason, Atlanta’s squad captains followed a predictable pattern. Atlanta announced its four captains this week, with Jessie Bates and Grady Jarrett serving as defensive captains.
This is unsurprising given that Bates is Atlanta’s finest defender and Grady Jarrett has the longest tenure. Jarrett has been with the Falcons through three different coaching regimes and is one of the few players who has provided consistency and a high level of performance.
Atlanta’s offensive captains are Kirk Cousins and Jake Matthews, a veteran left tackle. Given Matthews’ level of play in comparison to the rest of the offense, his selection as captain is quite surprising. However, Matthews, like Jarrett, is the longest-tenured Falcon on the offensive and has seen the most of Atlanta’s remaining possibilities.
Kirk Cousins, Jake Matthews, Grady Jarrett, and Jessie Bates will be Atlanta’s 2024 captains
The honor followed a pattern that had been set by the coaching staff throughout camp and the preseason. Whether it was putting Mike Hughes and Richie Grant back into the starting lineup or giving the third receiver role to Ray-Ray McCloud the message is clear.
Veterans will have the first opportunity to earn roster positions and will be given the most trust on this roster. While this does not fully apply to the selection of team leaders, it does explain Matthews’ inclusion.
Cornerback A.J. Terrell is the only other defensive player who could have been considered. As good as Jessie Bates has been, no Falcon secondary player has had a season like his in well over a decade.
His contribution to victories and tenacious style of play, regardless of the score, earned him this status. Cousins considers it an expected distinction for the franchise quarterback. One that will come with expectations as Michael Penix Jr. approaches and Atlanta enters the season with postseason aspirations.
