There are a number of worthy candidates for a team hoping for a larger breakout year.
Unsurprisingly, an Atlanta Falcons team many believe is poised to finally make the leap in the NFC South is also a Falcons team full of potential breakout candidates. The question I’d pose on this pre-holiday Monday is a simple one: Who will actually break out in the most astonishing fashion this year, if anyone?
Your candidate list is lengthy. Plagued by poor quarterback play, Drake London has yet to clear four touchdowns or 1,000 yards receiving in a season, though his ability to exceed those totals is readily apparent. Bijan Robinson cashed in a rookie season full of impressive moments but not the kind of standout campaign more even usage could allow for. Zach Harrison’s quiet rookie season ended on a massive high note as he was borderline dominant over the final three games he played in. Clark Phillips looked like a talented cornerback who needed time and experience to cross out some rookie mistakes and struggles with discipline. And so on.
While any of those players could break out and deliver substantially improved results—and I’m fairly willing to bet all four will—my money is on Phillips delivering an eye-opening campaign if and when he is named the starter opposite A.J. Terrell. The tenacity, aggression, and ball skills from Phillips indicate to me that he’ll be the kind of player this coaching staff will favor, and that with time and opportunity Phillips will grow into a pretty terrific starter. That could come in 2024, and I’m willing to bet it will.
Who is your pick?
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