Atlanta Falcons Offseason Progress Report
After finding their hopeful Franchise Quarterback, has Atlanta done enough to fix the worst Pass Rush in the NFL?
Overview
2024 Record: 8-9
General Manager: Terry Fontenot
Head Coach: Raheem Morris
Starting Quarterback: Michael Penix Jr.
Key Extensions:
OT Jake Matthews (2 years, $45 million, $38 million guaranteed)
Key Additions:
EDGE Leonard Floyd, LB Jalon Walker, EDGE James Pearce Jr, S Xavier Watts
Key Departures:
DL Grady Jarrett, iOL Drew Dalman
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Zac Robinson
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 12th Success Rate: 5th PPG: 13th (22.9ppg)
Projected Starting Offense (11 personnel):
QB Michael Penix Jr.
RB Bijan Robinson
WR Drake London
WR Darnell Mooney
WR Ray-Ray McCloud III
TE Kyle Pitts
LT Jake Matthews
LG Matthew Bergeron
C Ryan Neuzil
RG Chris Lindstrom
RT Elijah Wilkinson
Offense Notes:
After an okay start to the season from newly-paid free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Falcons offense took a nosedive, prompting rookie 8th overall pick Michael Penix to step in and take the reins. While it wasn’t as impressive as some of the other rookie QBs from this class, Penix had his moments, particularly in clutch scenarios towards the end of the season.
With a full offseason as QB1 under his belt, the expectation is that Penix takes another step forward as a playmaker. The Falcons kept most of their starters (losing only Dalman to Chicago), which already put forth an under-the-radar good performance last season. Because Penix isn’t as limited physically as Cousins last season, the offense should be able to become more dynamic in 2025.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Jeff Ulbrich
2024 Ranks:
EPA/play: 28th Success Rate: 30th PPG: 23rd (24.9ppg allowed)
Projected Starting Defense (Base 4-3):
DE Arnold Ebiketie
DT David Onyemata
DT Ruke Orhorhoro
DE Leonard Floyd
LB Kaden Eliss
LB Divine Deablo
CB Mike Hughes
CB AJ Terrell Jr.
NB Billy Bowman
S Jessie Bates III
S Xavier Watts
Defense Notes:
There was nothing sneaky good about the Falcons defense last season; they just stunk. Once again, the Falcons were at the bottom of the league in sacks, making them the worst in that department going back five, ten, or even twenty years. To be frank, the defensive breakdowns are largely what kept this group from winning the division - too many shootouts were allowed down the stretch.
Atlanta identified their key issues and tried to address them this offseason. Limited moves in free agency were all focused on the defensive side of the ball. Between the Falcons’ five draft selections, the first four went to the defense, including trading a future first-round pick to grab two edge rushers in Round 1. Adding Floyd, as well as explosive rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce, should give the Dirty Birds a chance to get after opposing quarterbacks this season.
Outlook
Overall, the Falcons should be looking to contend for the division title this season. Despite being two games back from the division-winning Buccaneers, there was a scenario in Week 18 in which the Falcons could’ve taken the crown. Unfortunately, one of their patented high-scoring shootouts occurred, and they couldn’t hold on (and the Saints lost as well). This should be a hopeful sign for next season…
Unfortunately, Atlanta’s prospects aren’t as cut and dried as it may seem. As strange as it may sound, there are scenarios in which the defense is actually worse next season. Banking on defensive improvement, mainly upon unimpressive incumbent players and rookies that need some seasoning, may not lead to immediate success from that unit.
The hope for the Falcons is that the ascension of Michael Penix Jr. outweighs any defensive inefficiencies. If you believe that Penix will be one of the best, the Falcons may be the team to beat in this division. If you believe otherwise, this could be another team looking toward next year’s draft.
Expectation/Goal for 2025: Compete for NFC South
2025 Schedule
Primetime games are BOLDED, all times EDT/EST
*Week 10 game vs. Indianapolis is in Berlin*