STUNNED SILENCE
Stephen A. Smith facepalms in disbelief after NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky’s Atlanta Falcons prediction on First Take
Smith was visibly stunned by Orlovsky's bold prediction for Atlanta
FORMER NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has high expectations for the Atlanta Falcons.
With the regular season a matter of weeks away, the Falcons have continued to bulk up with the recent acquisitions of Second-team All-Pro safety Justin Simmons and four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Matthew Judon.
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Add these moves to the offseason signing of four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins, and Orlovsky believes the Falcons could be a force in 2024.
The former Detroit Lions signal caller turned ESPN star revealed his high hopes for Atlanta on Thursday's episode of First Take, where he joined Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, and Kimberley A. Martin.
Asked by Qerim whether or not he believed the Falcons are Super Bowl contenders, Orlovsky quickly responded, "Oh, there's no question about it.
"When they signed Kirk Coins they were legit playoff contenders," he added.
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"And the two corresponding moves since Kirk Cousins has gotten there with the additions of Judon and Simmons, there's no question."
This stance drew a stunned response from Smith, who immediately rolled his eyes before facepalming as Orlovsky explained himself.
"They're dynamically talented on offense, they got a really good offensive line," he said.
"Raheem Morris' second run as a head coach so the experience that he has gained both in his own head coach run but also under Sean McVay.
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"And Simmons and Judon, while they're older, if those guys are relatively close to what they've been for the past couple of seasons, this is a really really good defense."
What's more, Orlovsky even stated that he believed the Falcons could be "a complete football team."
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Smith, however, was far from sold.
He claimed that "it all stops when you get to Kirk Cousins," citing his 1-3 record in the playoffs as the reason for his skepticism.
"You mentioned 'potential Super Bowl?' Don't you have to win playoff games? Which Kirk Cousins has seemed allergic to do," Smith commented.
As for viewers, like the crew, they too were split.
"I think they may surprise a lot of people. The talent is there," one fan tweeted.
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"On paper they are Super Bowl contenders. They have the pieces all around," suggested a second.
As a third replied, "[Super Bowl] not yet, I do think they'll win the NFC South though so they'll get a [playoff] spot."
While a fourth added, "Yikes. Simmons and Judon are solid but both are past their primes. What has Cousins ever won?
"I do think they'll be much improved, but ZERO chance at a Super Bowl."
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The Falcons will close the door on their preseason slate on Friday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
They will then kick off their regular season campaign on September 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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