When I asked former cornerback DeAngelo Hall about the Atlanta Falcons’ rocky start, he didn’t mince words. ‘Until Week 3 I thought they were doing really darn good,’ Hall said, before pointing to the loss against Carolina as a reality check. The Panthers came in, slammed the door, and left the Falcons with a disappointing 1‑2 record.
Hall highlighted two glaring issues: turnovers and a stagnant offense. ‘They’ve got to protect the ball,’ he warned, noting that each mistake puts extra pressure on a quarterback who’s still finding his rhythm. Hall believes the benching of Michael Penix Jr. for veteran Kirk Cousins was a reaction, not a panic, and that the coaching staff must stay calm while fixing the fundamentals.
According to Hall, head coach Raheem Morris has the tools to turn things around, but the players need to execute. The former Falcon stressed that the roster’s talent level should translate into more points, not just yardage. He singled out the need for a stronger Atlanta Falcons offense that can convert drives and keep the defense rested.
The former star also weighed in on the betting odds, saying the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens look like the most likely Super Bowl contenders right now. He isn’t buying into the hype around any other team, keeping his focus on what’s happening on the field each week.
Hall didn’t stop at team analysis; he dove into the psychology of players who feel wronged. He used the example of a player named Parsons, who’s set to face the Dallas Cowboys after being traded. ‘Being traded feels like a slap in the face,’ Hall explained. ‘Even if the money’s there, you carry a chip on your shoulder.’
Drawing from his own experience in the league, Hall says he’s seen players turn that sting into fire. ‘I played in some revenge games during my career, so I know how excited and ready Parsons will be,’ Hall said. He compared the upcoming matchup to a personal Super Bowl for the player, emphasizing that the emotional edge can shape performance.
Hall’s insight isn’t just anecdotal; it reflects a broader truth in the NFL. When a player feels undervalued, the next game becomes a platform to prove worth. That mindset can lead to big plays, but it can also backfire if the pressure turns into panic.
For the Falcons, the lesson is clear: keep the turnover count low, energize the offense, and don’t let the drama of trades or benchings distract from the week‑to‑week grind. The season is long, and as Hall reminded us, patience mixed with disciplined play is the real recipe for turning a 1‑2 start into a winning campaign.
