The Atlanta Falcons once again fell short last season, extending their playoff drought to seven years. It didn’t matter that they had a new head coach in Raheem Morris or a veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins—expectations were high, but the results were the same.
After years of coaching instability and inconsistent quarterback play, the Falcons were seen as a potential contender in 2024. The early returns were promising, as Atlanta started the season 6-3. However, the optimism quickly faded when the team lost six of its last eight games, ultimately surrendering the NFC South to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a disappointing ending for Morris, Cousins, and Falcons fans alike.
Fox Sports NFL reporter Eric Williams believes next season could be different for Atlanta. He points to Morris improving the defense through free agency, combined with what will now be a Michael Penix Jr.-led offense that showed flashes of success late last year.
A former defensive coordinator, Morris is focused on improving a defense that allowed 25 points per game in 2024, No. 23 in the NFL. Atlanta finished with just 31 sacks, second fewest in the league. The Falcons added pass-rushing help in 33-year-old edge Leonard Floyd and interior rusher Morgan Fox. Morris coached both players during his time as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams. The Falcons also added cornerback Mike Ford Jr. and linebacker Divine Deablo, along with re-signing veteran defensive back Mike Hughes.
With improved play from the defense and more explosive plays generated by a Penix-led offense, Atlanta should avoid another second-half swoon and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Penix is expected to be the centerpiece of the Falcons’ offense moving forward. However, uncertainty remains around Cousins’ future. The Falcons’ front office has stated its intention to keep him, but many speculate that Atlanta could find a trade partner before or after the NFL Draft.
MORE: Why did the Falcons keep Kirk Cousins?
Defensively, Morris made the decision to move on from first-year defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and brought in Jeff Ulbrich, who served as the New York Jets’ interim head coach last season. Morris and Ulbrich have a long history, dating back to their previous work together in Atlanta as assistants.
If Williams’ prediction proves true, it would mark a long-awaited turnaround for a team that has struggled to get out of its own way in recent years.
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