The Atlanta Falcons are a team filled with young playmakers, but could newly acquired wide receiver Van Jefferson’s experience be the missing piece for their playoff run?
Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone is familiar with Jefferson and believes that he’s got what it takes as a competitor to make an impact despite joining the team midseason.
"Van’s a veteran,” Ragone said. “He’s played in big games. I’ve known that family a long time. I know the makeup, the character. What you’re hoping to bring in midseason is a guy that comes in here absorbs the offense, goes out in individual, and takes it over into the practice. Just brings his own energy and the way he goes about and does his business.”
Jefferson had success early in his career when he had over 800 receiving yards in his second season, but he has seen his numbers dwindle since.
Now in his fourth season, Jefferson had eight receptions for 108 yards before the Los Angeles Rams opted to trade him and give younger players such as emerging star Puca Nacua starting reps. Now it’s up to Jefferson to prove he’s still got what it takes to be an impact player on the field with his second team.
"You grow up playing this game as a competitor,” Ragone said. “The more you have a chance to go out there and compete, I think it raises your level as a player or a coach. And I think that’s why guys love being in this business, player or coach, as much as we do. It’s just the level of competition week in and week out.”
If Jefferson comes into Atlanta with a competitive mindset, he could take advantage of his second chance and help establish a hungry mindset with the young Falcons, such as fellow wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, as they look to assert themselves as forces to be reckoned with on Atlanta’s path to the playoffs.
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