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Atlanta Falcons 2026 Positional Room Preview: Special Teams
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- Atlanta Falcons 2026 Positional Room Preview: Special Teams
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The Atlanta Falcons are headed into the regular season looking to take some serious steps as a franchise and win a whole lot more ball games under head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski brings with him a high level of competence and the ability to dramatically raise the floor for the franchise, but if he is going to do that, there is going to have to be some serious internal improvement. Often overlooked when it comes to winning and losing games is the third phase of the game: special teams.
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Atlanta was dreadful in virtually all areas here last year, but things are looking extremely different under new special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman. With a new kicker, punter, and likely new return man, a complete overhaul was needed and is happening. Here are the names you need to know on Atlanta's special teams this year.
Nick Folk, Kicker
Now 41 years old, Folk has been in the league for nearly two decades, but he continues to produce at a high level. While his range is limited at this point -- he made a long of 58 yards last season -- he is as accurate as he's ever been, converting 28 of his 29 field goal attempts last season with the New York Jets.
In fact, he has not missed more than one field goal in a season since 2022 and has had three straight tremendous campaigns, not missing an extra point the last two years either. He should bring stability to the position and allow the Falcons to have a strong kicking game.
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Jake Bailey, Punter
Atlanta moved on from Bradley Pinion and instead turn to Bailey, who has been an All Pro during his career and has experience with Aukerman. Bailey has bounced around a bit since leaving the New England Patriots, but he is one of the more reliable punters in the game and should have a strong year.
Liam McCullough, Long Snapper
McCullough comes back for his fifth season with the Falcons, one of the lone returners from the unit as a whole. He has been solid and now working with a stable unit could take his game to the next level.
Zachariah Branch, Likely Main Return Man
Branch is expected to be a heavy contributor on the offensive side of the ball, but it's not just catching passes where he could make an impact. The electrifying rookie is expected to step right in as the main return man and give the Atlanta something they have lacked there for years now.
