By: Griffin Jones
The Atlanta Falcons will make the playoffs this season. Following a disappointing 2024-2025 season, finishing 8-9, the Falcons went into the offseason with a few holes around the team. The defense struggled the few seasons prior, specifically the defensive line, finishing with 31 sacks the second lowest in the league.
After a great 6-3 start and a lead in their division they began to decline. Kirk Cousins, the star quarterback the Falcons signed in the offseason, showed to be too old and fragile to perform throughout the season. Despite signing a quarterback, the Falcons drafted a Quarterback 8th overall, Michael Penix, out of Washington.
Coming into the 25 season, the Falcons filled many of their holes. Although they lost some talent on defense, they had an amazing draft. Selecting two first round defenders at linebacker and edge along with two safeties later in the draft that proved to be impactful. As in the game on Sunday night vs the Vikings last week the defense recorded 2 interceptions along with 6 sacks, only allowing 6 total points.
The offense this season looks to be extremely promising this season, led by second year QB Michael Penix, along with a superstar running back Bijan Robinson and his second half at RB, Tyler Allegier. Robinson, has proved to be a top 5 back in the NFL and looks to have his best season yet not only running but catching the ball as well. For other receiving options the Falcons return two fringe 1000 yard receivers. One being star wide out, Drake London, London is a 6 ‘4 WR entering his 4th season. Finishing last year 4th in the league in receiving yards,recording 1,271 and 9 touchdowns, he is expected to take an even bigger leap this year into a true superstar. At the other WR Darnell Mooney ended his first season in Atlanta last year just shy of a one thousand yard season. The final weapon of the Atlanta offense is TE Kyle Pitts, Pitts is a monster on the field, nicknamed the Unicorn, he stands out just based off his pure size. He began his career with an outstanding rookie year in 2021 with the Falcons. However, since then it has become underwhelming to say the least. Despite that, with a new and improved QB situation, Pitts looks good and ready to produce. All this along with an extremely young core only means the future is bright.
After two games this season the Falcons stand 1-1 with a tough slate ahead including the Bills, Commanders, and 49ers. However, with a weak division and a much improved team, I believe the Falcons will finally break through and finish 10-7. Not enough to win the division but good enough for a wildcard spot.
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