Despite finishing 7-10 and missing the postseason for the sixth straight season, there were silver linings to the Falcons’ 2023 season.
The defense was a top 10 unit for much of the season, with several notable campaigns. All three big ticket free agent contracts paid dividends. Jessie Bates earned All-Pro honors for the second time, while David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss more than held their own, respectively.
Nate Landman proved capable of being a starting-caliber linebacker in this league after Troy Andersen went down with a season-ending injury. Clark Phillips, Zach Harrison, and DeMarcco Hellams emerged as valuable rookies.
On the offensive side of the ball, Jonnu Smith experienced a career resurgence, and Chris Lindstrom turned in another All-Pro campaign, but the most unexpected individual performance goes to Drew Dalman.
The Falcons center was the team’s most improved player, according to Pro Football Focus.
Experts and fans had high expectations for the Falcons’ offensive line in 2023, mainly because of right guard Chris Lindstrom. Not many foreshadowed that Dalman, in his third NFL season, would be among the league’s best centers. He ranked third among centers in PFF grade, largely because of his run-blocking prowess (90.0)
PFF graded him at 65.9 in 2022 and 82.3 in 2023, driven primarily by his 90 run-blocking grade. His 53 pass blocking grade suggests that facet of his game still needs refining, though.
The Falcons offensive line returned all five starters from 2022 and the group once again turned in an admirable group effort, and all five should return in 2024.
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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
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