The Atlanta Falcons have made dramatic changes to their program since the 2023-2024 season ended. The Falcons went 7-10 and ended the season third in the NFC south, only ahead of the 2-15 Carolina Panthers who were the worst team in the league last year. Most of the criticism fell on head coach Arthur Smith for his lack of usage of rookie running back Bijan Robinson and pro-bowl tight end Kyle Pitts, among broader concerns about his play calling and ability to lead the team overall. In addition to Arthur Smith’s coaching, much criticism was laid upon quarterback Desmond Ridder, who was in a battle with Tayor Heinicke for the spot towards the end of the year.
Both concerns were addressed during the offseason with staff and player changes. During the offseason Smith was fired from the head coach position, his replacement is former Los Angeles Ram’s defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. The Ram’s former passing coordinator, Zac Robinson, is also coming to Atlanta along with Morris to serve as the Falcon’s new offensive coordinator. In addition to the coaching staff, the Falcon’s quarterback room has been completely overhauled. With Morris spearheading the changes throughout the offseason, the Falcon’s signed free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins on a four-year, $180 million deal. Cousins, who’s coming off a torn Achilles tendon, was having a great 2023 season for the Minnesota Vikings before the injury.
The 2024 NFL draft also posed solutions for the Falcon’s issues. With the eighth pick in the first round of the draft, the Falcon’s drafted Michael Penix Jr. The twenty-four-year-old quarterback from the University of Washington. Penix was strong for Washington and led them to the College Football National Championship against Michigan. Despite losing the National Championship, Penix was still seen as a solid NFL level quarterback, and the pick helped the Falcon’s double down on reinforcing the QB room. The Falcon’s also drafted Ruke Orhorhoro (DE), Bralen Trice (DE), Brandon Dorlus (DE), JD Bertrand (LB), Jase McClellan (RB), Casey Washington (WR), and Zion Logue (DL).
You can view every pick of the 2024 NFL draft here
After drafting four defensive players, the Falcon’s made further moves to the defensive side of the team. The Falcon’s traded a 2025 third-round pick to the New England Patriots for pro-bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon. The team also signed free agent safety Justin Simmons, a former Denver Broncos safety and pro-bowler.
Changes to the roster continued with the release of JaQuae Jackson (WR), Anthony Sao (CB), and Jacob Saylors (RB).
The complete Falcon’s roster can be found here
Despite the changes, the Falcon’s had a rocky pre-season. The Falcon’s lost their first pre-season game against the Miami Dolphins 13-20 at Hard Rock Stadium. Penix went 9 for 16 with 104 yards, his biggest play being a 41-yard-deep pass to receiver Chris Blair. The Falcon’s then went on to lose their second pre-season game by just one point against the Baltimore Ravens in M&T Bank Stadium. The game ended 12-13, with Taylor Heinicke being the starting quarterback for the Falcons. The Falcon’s ended their preseason with a third straight loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Jaguars managed to shutout the Falcons 31-0, though the Jaguars played their starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, while the Falcon’s alternated between their third and fourth string quarterbacks.
The Falcon’s will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sep. 8th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It will be the first time Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback for the Falcons.
The full Falcons schedule can be found here
