Falcons LISTEN: Will More Success Mean Fewer Snaps?

The Atlanta Falcons want to win now.

While fans and critics have been waffling whether the team should try and rebuild for the future or compete for the playoffs this season, defensive coordinator Dean Pees cleared up the team's stance in a press conference Thursday.

"We are trying to win and make the playoffs," Pees told reporters.

With Pees and the Falcons zeroing in on trying to make the playoffs this season, it puts into question whether some of the younger players will play.

Linebacker Foye Oluokun is the only player to play in all 400 defensive snaps this season, while fellow linebacker Deion Jones and cornerback Fabian Moreau have played in over 90 percent of the team's snaps.

For players like rookies Ade Ogundeji, who blocked a kick in last week's win against the Miami Dolphins, and second-year player Jaylinn Hawkins, whose grabbed two of the team's three interceptions this season, their playing time is now up in the air.

These young players have risen to the occasion this season, but with the team's focus zeroing in on a playoff push, the question remains whether these talented players will see the field and continue to develop.

On this episode of "Locked On Falcons," host Aaron Freeman shares his final score prediction for the Atlanta Falcons' Week 8 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, as well as discusses his takeaways from Pees' Thursday press conference.

First, Aaron breaks down why he thinks the Falcons might be in store for a bit of a letdown against the Panthers, but still could walk away with a win. Then, he answers a listener question about whether linebacker Deion Jones was deserving of the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week honor.

Then, he shares his takeaways from coach Pees' presser in looking at the causes of the team's lack of pressure and reluctance to play their young players more.

Then, he looks at the team's potential game plan against the Panthers to help slow down their pass rush.

Aaron deals with all that and more on this episode of "Locked On Falcons." For more podcasts and information, join us here.

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