Raheem Morris completed his first season as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons with an 8–9 record and a second-place finish in the NFC South. While it marked the team’s best record since 2017, it extended their playoff drought to seven consecutive seasons.
For a brief moment, it looked like Atlanta might finally turn the corner. Behind free-agent addition Kirk Cousins, the Falcons jumped out to a 6–3 start. But a late-season four-game losing streak derailed their momentum. Morris made a bold move after an uninspiring 15–9 win over the Raiders: he benched Cousins and turned to rookie Michael Penix Jr., the team’s first-round pick in 2024.
Penix finished the year 1–2 as a starter, but the writing was on the wall — the Falcons were making him their franchise quarterback moving forward.
Previewing the Falcons’ Offense
Michael Penix Jr. enters 2025 as the Falcons’ unquestioned starter, but Kirk Cousins remains an expensive insurance policy on the roster. If Penix falters, Cousins could still see the field. All signs point to Atlanta committing fully to its young signal-caller.
Offensively, the Falcons didn’t make major moves this offseason, but they did release starting center Drew Dalman, leaving a hole on the interior line. Restricted free agent Ryan Neuzil — who started eight games in Dalman’s absence last season — is expected to fill the void.
The rest of Atlanta’s core remains intact and promising. Wide receiver Drake London is coming off a breakout season with 100 catches for 1,271 yards and will be Penix’s top target. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson continues to shine as one of the league’s top backs, finishing third in rushing yards (1,456) and tying for fifth in rushing touchdowns (14) last season. The Penix-Robinson-London trio forms a formidable foundation that could elevate this offense if the line holds up and the quarterback settles in.
Previewing the Falcons’ Defense
The defense is where the Falcons made their biggest investments this offseason — for good reason. Atlanta finished 29th in total defense last year and parted ways with longtime defensive cornerstone Grady Jarrett.
Their response was to overhaul the unit through the draft and free agency. At pick No. 15, the Falcons selected Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker. Then, in a surprise move, they acquired an additional first-round pick from the Los Angeles Rams and used it to choose Tennessee’s James Pierce, another dynamic edge presence. In exchange, Atlanta sent the Rams their 2026 first-round pick — a move that drew criticism but could pay off big if Pierce becomes a difference-maker.
The secondary was addressed on Day 2 of the draft with safeties Xavier Watts (Notre Dame) and Billy Bowman Jr. (Oklahoma) selections. The front office added veteran help through free agency, signing linebacker Divine Deablo, edge rusher Leonard Floyd, and safety Jordan Fuller. They also re-signed cornerback Mike Hughes.
The defense’s back end remains anchored by two-time All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III, while linebacker Kaden Ellis returns after posting a team-leading 151 tackles. With new blood up front and depth in the secondary, Atlanta’s defense should trend upward in 2025.
Projected Outlook
When the lists come out ranking the NFL’s strongest and weakest divisions, the NFC South will likely land near the bottom, alongside its AFC South counterpart. But that also opens the door for a well-constructed team like Atlanta to take control of the division.
The Falcons are in a favorable position: they have a promising young quarterback on a rookie deal, a dynamic duo at running back and wide receiver, and a defense that’s finally being reconstructed with youth and upside. Drake London and Bijan Robinson are entering the prime years of their careers, and if Penix grows into the role quickly, this offense could take off.
But much depends on consistency. Atlanta should compete for the division crown if Penix can limit turnovers, sustain drives, and get comfortable within the scheme. Defensively, the key will be integrating rookies and new veterans fast enough to avoid a repeat of last year’s struggles.
Final Prediction: 9–8
This should be enough to stay in the NFC South title race and potentially earn a Wild Card berth — but only if Penix progresses and the defense doesn’t stumble out of the gate.
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