ATLANTA FALCONS (4-12)

Projected 2021 win total:

7

LAST YEAR: The Falcons’ first 0-7 start since 1997 led to the firings of coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff. Interim coach Raheem Morris managed four wins, but that was not enough for him to keep the job or change the team’s path toward an overhaul. Terry Fontenot was hired from the Saints as general manager and former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur

Smith was hired as coach. A flurry of cost-cutting moves, including the trade of seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones to the Titans, helped to define the rebuilding job facing Smith and Fontenot. IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: WR Tajae Sharpe, RB Mike Davis, S Erik Harris, CB Fabian Moreau, RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson, S Duron Harmon, OL Josh Andrews, LB Brandon Copeland, Smith, offensive coordinator Dave Ragone, defensive coordinator Dean Pees. IMPORTANT LOSSES: Jones, C Alex Mack, S Keanu Neal, S Ricardo Allen, DE Allen Bailey, RB Todd Gurley, RB Brian Hill, RB Ito Smith, S Damontae Kazee, OG James Carpenter, QB Matt Schaub. NOTES: The Falcons delayed drafting an eventual replacement for Ryan, but a backup for the 36-year-old quarterback must be found following Schaub’s retirement. AJ McCarron, who played a combined four games for Houston the last two years, is the favorite. There will be adjustments to new schemes on offense and defense. Smith will call the plays, but former Chicago Bears quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Dave Ragone gets his first chance to lead an offense.

EXPECTATIONS: Smith could contend for coach of the year honors if the Falcons avoid a fourth consecutive losing season. Those who suggested the team should use the 2021 No. 4 overall draft pick on a quarterback because Atlanta might not have another top-five pick anytime soon could have to rethink that projection. The Falcons’ rebuilding job is daunting.