Back in 2016, the Falcons were up 28-3 at halftime in the super bowl against the New England Patriots, but as we all know ended up falling short after a Tom Brady heroic comeback. Ever since then, besides the 2017 season, the Falcons keep finding themselves with a top 15 pick in the draft after consistently coming up short.
After a long offseason of trade rumors and a successful draft, the Falcons may finally have the right pieces to compete in the playoffs, and more. With a dive into how this team functions, there is a lot to look at.
Michael Penix Jr.
Jun 11, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) on the field during Minicamp practice at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
It all starts with Michael Penix Jr. and how he is taking over as the starting quarterback for this team, and Kirk Cousins sticking around with his massive contract. Penix was taken 8th overall in 2024 after the signing of Cousins and did not come into a starting role until week 15.
Bijan Robinson is everything that the Falcons needed when he was also chosen 8th overall in 2023. He is coming off a season where he was third in the league in rushing yards with 1,456 and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He made his first pro bowl, and if it wasn't for Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry both having 1,900 yards or more, he would have been All-pro.
Between Drake London and Darnell Mooney, the Falcons have two receivers that are candidates for 1,000-yard seasons in 2025. London is coming off a 1,000-plus yard season while Mooney fell short of the mark by eight yards but still made big plays and looks to continue to do that.
Between the Offensive line and the Defense, both are improved from 2024, and a lot has to do with minicamp performances and new signings and draftees. Between Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Leonard Floyd, and other additions, the defense is looking as strong as ever.
The Falcons need this season to go well, for them to be ready for the future, and with all these changes, it is looking like it will be.