ATLANTA — The Falcons can mess up anything. Even their greatest moments become cautionary tales. (Don’t get arrested on Super Bowl Eve. Don’t waste a 25-point lead in the game itself.) This week saw them court a quarterback facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and harassment. The quarterback opted instead for the Browns, themselves no slouches in the art of mess-making.
Just as we were trying to decide if rebuilding around the defendant in 22 lawsuits is an optimal operational move, the question changed: Which is worse, pursuing Deshaun Watson or losing Deshaun Watson?
Having tried to buy a new quarterback, the Falcons must smooth the presumably ruffled feathers of Matt Ryan — or must they? Having deemed him dispensable, should they trade him and ready themselves to go 2-15 and draft Bryce Young in 2023? Is Ryan so dismayed he wants out this minute? Could we Atlantans bear to see Matty Ice leave on the westward heels of Freddie Freeman? Should the Hawks buy out Trae Young and complete the hat trick of outbound icons?
