As the Atlanta Falcons prepare for Week 6 of the NFL season, there is growing pressure on several players to step up or face the possibility of losing their starting jobs or roles within the team. After a mixed start to the season, the Falcons sit at a pivotal point where changes could be on the horizon if performances don’t improve. Here are five Falcons who should be on the hot seat heading into Week 6.
1. Desmond Ridder (Quarterback)
Desmond Ridder was handed the starting quarterback role this season after the Falcons decided to move on from Marcus Mariota, but his performance has been inconsistent at best. While Ridder has shown flashes of potential, his inability to consistently move the offense has been concerning. He has struggled with accuracy, decision-making, and pocket awareness, which has led to missed opportunities and turnovers. With weapons like Kyle Pitts and Drake London at his disposal, the Falcons need Ridder to elevate his game quickly, or head coach Arthur Smith could be forced to explore other options.
2. Kaleb McGary (Right Tackle)
Kaleb McGary, a former first-round pick, has been a key part of the Falcons’ offensive line for several seasons, but his performance this year has been underwhelming. McGary has struggled in pass protection, allowing too much pressure on Ridder and failing to hold up against elite edge rushers. His run blocking has also been inconsistent, and with the Falcons’ offense built around a strong ground game, McGary’s struggles have been glaring. If he continues to underperform, the Falcons may consider reshuffling their offensive line or even exploring future replacements.
3. Richie Grant (Safety)
Richie Grant, entering his third year in the NFL, was expected to take a leap forward as a key player in the Falcons’ secondary. However, his play has been inconsistent, with missed tackles and blown coverages that have left the defense vulnerable to big plays. Atlanta’s pass defense has been shaky, and much of that can be attributed to communication and execution issues in the secondary. Grant will need to improve quickly, especially with tough matchups against strong passing offenses on the horizon.
4. Mack Hollins (Wide Receiver)
While Mack Hollins was brought in to add depth to the Falcons’ receiving corps, his impact has been minimal through the first few weeks of the season. Hollins, who has been used primarily as the team’s WR3 behind Drake London and Kyle Pitts, has struggled to get open and contribute as a reliable target for Ridder. If he doesn’t start showing more production soon, the Falcons may look to give more snaps to younger receivers like Scotty Miller or add a veteran option via trade.
### 5. **Arnold Ebiketie (Outside Linebacker)**
The Falcons drafted Arnold Ebiketie in the second round in 2022, expecting him to develop into a key pass rusher, but his progress has been slower than anticipated. Ebiketie has shown potential in flashes, but he has yet to become a consistent presence in pressuring the quarterback. With Atlanta ranking near the bottom of the league in sacks, the team needs more production from its pass rush. If Ebiketie can’t take the next step soon, his role could diminish as the Falcons search for more answers on defense.
As the Falcons enter Week 6, these five players are under increasing scrutiny. The team has enough talent to compete in a wide-open NFC South, but underperforming players could see their roles reduced if they don’t step up quickly. Atlanta’s coaching staff will be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion and who continues to struggle as the season progresses.