Enduring six straight losing seasons usually doesn’t lead to a sold-out season ticket inventory.

However, the Atlanta Falcons seem to have defied the odds. After acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins, the biggest name in NFL free agency, they’ve sold out their season tickets for the first time in 20 years.

The Falcons have become a sought-after ticket as they embark on a fresh chapter under new head coach Raheem Morris, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“Clearly, the expectations are higher than usual,” stated Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III in an interview with YSL News Sports. “That’s encouraging, because it indicates we’re heading in the right direction. However, this won’t mean anything if we don’t perform consistently. Time will tell.”

Cousins, alongside first-round draft choice Michael Penix Jr., aims to remedy the team’s most pressing concerns. He’s set to strengthen an offense already teeming with promising young talent, featuring running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, tight end Kyle Pitts, and receiver Drake London. They also recruited free agent receiver Darnell Mooney. The offensive line remains stable, spearheaded by Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom and seasoned left tackle Jake Matthews.

In the last month, the Falcons bolstered their defense by acquiring two significant Pro Bowl players, edge rusher Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons.

It’s clear they made the most of the offseason, leading experts to predict the Falcons might finally seize the NFC South, a title held by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the past three seasons. Their expectations are underscored by a schedule featuring three spotlight games in the first five weeks.

“Atlanta needs to see football thrive again,” remarked Bates, noting the Falcons last had a winning season and playoffs in 2017. “We’re eager for the expectations, but we must work hard every single day.”

The pressure to perform will be felt soon, with matchups against top teams like the Eagles, Chiefs, and Bucs early in the season.

Dallas’ Defensive Overhaul: ‘A Bit of Chaos’

If Mike Zimmer’s return to the Dallas Cowboys indicates a more competent defense compared to the one that faltered against the Packers in an upset playoff loss last January, then there may be legitimate hope for Jerry Jones’ team this year. Zimmer has been brought back to coordinate the defense following Dan Quinn’s departure to coach the Washington Commanders.

All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons is a key player to watch. With Zimmer’s innovative approach, he could see one of the NFL’s most adaptable and skilled players reach new heights.

It will be intriguing to gauge how players adapt to Zimmer’s complex scheme involving frequent disguise tactics. Dallas will kick off their season against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.

“It’s about a bit of theatrical flair along with some tough football,” linebacker Eric Kendricks shared with YSL News Sports.

Kendricks, a seasoned veteran in his tenth year, was among the few free agents that budget-conscious Dallas brought in during the offseason, likely due to his previous experience playing under Zimmer for seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

What insights does Kendricks provide his new teammates about navigating the complex scheming of disguised coverage and rushes?

“It can be a bit chaotic, a little hectic,” he explained. “We must enhance our understanding of the game compared to past expectations. Know where help is coming from and who’s responsible for whom. When situations shift rapidly, it’s vital to rely on each other.”

Quick Highlights

On a night when Patrick Mahomes took over as the Kansas City Chiefs’ leading passer, surpassing Len Dawson’s record, he also made headlines by catching a pass for the second time in his career just before halftime in their Thursday victory against the Ravens. This reception, like his first, was a 2-yard gain off a deflected throw that he initially sent. It was crucial as Mahomes jumped in between two defenders to thwart an interception, allowing the Chiefs to keep the clock running. Mahomes humorously noted, “I know it was just 2 yards, but I thought it was a pretty impressive catch. Maybe this will convince Coach Reid to let me receive passes more often.”