Cowboys 2024 opponent preview: X-factors for the Atlanta Falcons

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The Cowboys are going to have their hands full when they play the Falcons this season.

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the teams that should take a major step forward in 2024. They’ve had good talent but seemed to need more direction. Atlanta had an interesting draft, mainly because of the pick of quarterback Mike Penix Jr. in the first round after signing free agent Kirk Cousins. They also picked up defenders Bralen Trice and Brandon Dorlus in the second and third rounds, giving new head coach Raheem Morris some new pieces on defense. With the right mixture of youth, established talent, and veteran leadership, the Falcons are knocking on the door of success. Here are the x-factors for the Atlanta Falcons when they take on the Cowboys this season.

Opponent: Atlanta Falcons

2023 record: 7-10, 3rd place in the NFC South

Date(s) on the schedule: Week 9, Nov 3rd

RBs behind Bijan Robinson

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Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith was fired after a disappointing season in a winnable NFC South in 2023. The team fell short of a division title by just one game. Some could also argue that his puzzling personnel choices affected his dismissal. For example, he started Desmond Ridder over Taylor Heinicke for an extended period, designed quality targets for tight end for Jonnu Smith at the expense of top-ten draft pick Kyle Pitts, and limited the usage of Bijan Robinson, another top-ten selection. These actions and Smith’s bristling at criticism of his choices likely contributed to his departure from Atlanta. However, when examining the running backs on Atlanta’s roster, maybe Smith was onto something.

Tyler Allgeier, primarily known in fantasy circles as a priority waiver pickup or handcuff, has shown he can be a productive runner. In his rookie season with the Falcons, Allgeier ran for 1,035 yards on 4.7 yards per attempt and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. He is also sure-handed and has not had a single fumble in 430 touches from scrimmage. Behind Allgeier and Robinson is Jase McClellan, a sixth-round draft pick from Alabama. McClellan has skills similar to Allgeier’s in that he can do a little of everything. McClellan does many things well, but not at an elite level. However, he runs with good strength behind his pads, has good field vision, and can contribute as a pass catcher out of the backfield. With the full complement of Atlanta’s runners, they could simultaneously feature either of Robinson’s backups on the field with him. The Cowboys defense will have to be ready for more than just Robinson.

Kaden Elliss, Inside linebacker

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Kaden Elliss is an actual deep dive of an X-factor. Elliss was relegated to primarily a reserve player and special teamer for the New Orleans Saints over his two seasons, playing just five defensive snaps over his first 18 games. His involvement in the defense steadily increased during his time with New Orleans. Last season, the Falcons struck gold, making a risky investment in a three-year contract with Elliss of $21.5 million. So far, so good for both the Falcons and Ellis. Ellis had his best season as a pro for the Atlanta defense despite being left at the mercy of an offense without direction and identity. Ellis demonstrated his durability in an increasing role, playing all 17 games for his second consecutive season.

Ellis was second on the team in total tackles with 122 and second in solo tackles, tallying 82 on his own. The advanced stats also support Elliss’ improvement and impact. He posted a very respectable 75.4 PFF grade. Elliss also has upside as a pass rusher, having 11 sacks over the past two seasons. With Raheem Morris serving as the Falcons’ new head coach, a terrific foundation on defense should only improve, and Elliss surely will be a benefactor of the coaching change. Dallas needs to solidify their communication upfront to ensure Elliss doesn’t get the drop on the offensive line during blitzes.

Darnell Mooney, Wide receiver

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Offensively, the Falcons have a good assortment of receiving weapons. Pitts, Drake London, Rondale Moore. Their receiving corps is why Atlanta could be on the cusp of being a formidable NFC threat. Yet, one of their receivers has always felt like he was on the verge of a breakout but not in the right situation, and that’s Darnell Mooney. Since being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2020, Mooney’s quarterbacks have been Mitchell Trubisky, Nick Foles, Andy Dalton, and Justin Fields. As a talent, Mooney has excellent tools with which to work. He’s fast and ran a 4.38 forty-yard dash ahead of the 2020 NFL draft. He can play inside the slot or on the boundary despite being 5’10”.

His best season as a professional came in 2021 when he had 1,055 receiving yards on 81 receptions for an average of 13 yards per catch. Last season he averaged 1.45 yards of separation per route ran, which is middle of the pack but respectable. Atlanta saw enough of Mooney to feel comfortable enough in giving him a three-year, $39M contract. Atlanta easily has the best quarterback Mooney has ever played with in Kirk Cousins and the duo could give the Cowboys fits down the field. Don’t overlook this well-rounded option.

Previous x-factor profiles:

Week 1, Cleveland Browns

Week 2, New Orleans Saints

Week 3, Baltimore Ravens

Week 4, New York Giants

Week 5, Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 6, Detroit Lions

Wee 8, San Francisco 49ers