SURGE: Will Tommy Rees ELEVATE Atlanta Falcons from MEDIOCRE to ELITE Play Calling?

In this episode of Locked On Falcons, host Aaron Freeman dives into the expectations surrounding new offensive coordinator Tommy Reese and his potential impact on the Falcons' play calling. Freeman challenges the widespread belief that Reese represents a massive upgrade from previous coordinators, arguing instead that the Falcons are likely to get '18th best' play calling—average, not elite. He contrasts his own realistic view of the team's talent level (closer to 18th in the league) with the more optimistic perception of many fans who believe the Falcons are an 8th-tier team whose potential is being held back by poor play calling. This mismatch in expectations, Freeman argues, fuels fan frustration when the team performs at a median level. He outlines a realistic formula for success: combining 18th-best passing offense with an 8th-best defense and run game could get the Falcons to 9–10 wins and a playoff berth, but not a dominant season. Later, Freeman and guest Charles McDonald discuss the Falcons' Day 3 draft picks—linebackers Kendall Daniels and Harold Perkins—praising their developmental upside and potential roles on defense, especially in Jeff Ulbricht’s scheme. Both players are seen as high-upside, low-risk picks with paths to early contributions and long-term impact. Key takeaways include: 1) Expectations must align with realistic team talent levels to avoid disappointment; 2) A competent but not elite play caller can still lead to a playoff-caliber team when paired with strong defense and running game; 3) The Falcons’ success hinges on development, not just personnel upgrades; 4) Draft picks like Daniels and Perkins offer high upside with minimal risk; 5) Coaching staff execution on player development will be critical, especially on offense; 6) Fans should temper hype around new hires and focus on process over perception; 7) The Falcons’ ceiling is likely 10–11 wins, not 13+, unless major improvements occur across all phases; 8) The team’s identity will be shaped more by how players develop than by any single hire. The overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic, grounded in realism rather than hype.