The Atlanta Falcons haven't been to the NFL Playoffs since 2017. They're banking on new head coach Raheem Morris and free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to end the six-season drought.
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a big season, with hopes soaring despite their 7-10 record over each of the past three years. The buzz is all about their bold moves, particularly the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, seen as the catalyst to elevate the team back to the playoffs.
The Falcons clearly feel that Kirk Cousins made them contenders, referencing throughout the offseason that the quarterback position ultimately held the 2023 team back.
The Falcons brought in an eight-man draft class, headlined by Michael Penix. Atlanta is toeing a fine line with their approach at the quarterback position this offseason.
Every NFL team tries to build a dynasty and win Super Bowls, but only a select few in NFL history have found such consistency. Over the next five years, these are the teams that have the best chance at ultimate success.
As the Atlanta Falcons defense took a considerable step forward last season, the linebacker pairing of Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman drew praise. Elliss was expected to shine; the Falcons gave him a three-year, $21.5 million contract and the reins of their defense for a reason.
The Falcons have question marks dotting the defense, but a strong base to work with. The Atlanta Falcons improved a year on the defensive side of the ball, though they cratered late in a way that put a dark cloud over that side of the ball thanks to injuries and ineffectiveness.
Offense is the name of the game in the modern NFL, and offensive play callers have never been more creative. Here's a look at the top NFL play-callers from 1-32 early in the 2022 season.
We look into how quarterback Michael Penix Jr. fits into the Atlanta Falcons
After a week to consider the Falcons’ 2024 NFL Draft class, Atlanta’s fans are nearly evenly split on whether or not the team came away a winner. The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the Atlanta Falcons certainly created a stir in league with their selection of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Can Seattle keep it going? Will there be any further separation in the middle of the pack? And will things get even worse for struggling traditional powers like Green Bay? Let’s get to the games.
The Atlanta Falcons’ 2024 draft class has drawn many harsh reviews, with most pundits giving the franchise the lowest grade and dimmest endorsement league-wide.
The Atlanta Falcons made perhaps the most shocking move not only in the 2024 NFL Draft, but in recent NFL Draft history, when they selected Michael Penix Jr.
Because the Falcons went out and drafted Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall, it already has media pundits talking about potential outs when it comes to Kirk Cousins, who they handed a four-year contract worth $180 million less than two months ago with $100 million in guarantees and a $50 million signings bonus.
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot after drafting QB Michael Penix Jr.: “Kirk Cousins is our quarterback. We’re very excited about Kirk and our team. Michael Penix is about the future.
Ever since Terry Fontenot took over for Thomas Dimitroff, the Falcons have seemingly been making it up as they go along, just a complete scatterbrain operation.
Pass rushing has long been an Achilles heel for the Atlanta Falcons, and 2024 may be no different. Both the Falcons’ top sack producers from last year — Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, each with 6.5 — remain free agents.
No matter your opinion on the Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick, he’s set up to be the future of the organization. Terry Fontenot is extremely confident in his selection and a lot is riding on his development behind Kirk Cousins.
The Falcons have been scolded by media pundits across the board for their selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. It’s the biggest storyline coming out of the NFL Draft, and people have every right to question Atlanta’s plan after they also just signed Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract in free agency.
The Falcons can come out and say there’s no quarterback controversy and Kirk Cousins is their guy all they want. I genuinely believe they are 100% dead set on Cousins starting all 17 games this upcoming season, providing he is healthy.
It’s never too early to think about next year. Hell, the Falcons even showed that in this year’s draft when they selected Michael Penix Jr, who very well might not take a meaningful snap for 2-3 years because the Falcons also just signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal.
Atlanta shocked the league by taking 2024 first-round QB Michael Penix Jr. after committing $180 million to QB Kirk Cousins in free agency. Falcons S Jessie Bates wasn’t surprised and thinks Penix can bring a lot of positives to the team right away.
The negative press surrounding the Falcons for drafting Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall just weeks after handing Kirk Cousins $180 million is at an all time high.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons sent shockwaves through the league with their unexpected move in the first round. Amidst swirling rumors of bolstering their offensive or defensive line, the Falcons took a bold turn by selecting Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons made some heads turn when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick. They had just signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, but Terry Fontenot said he was the best on the board and sometimes you have to take that chance.
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180M contract less than two full months before the club acquired Penix via the draft.
Raheem Morris was interviewed by the Falcons after that season for a full-time head-coaching job as well.
Falcons safety Jessie Bates III spoke with reporters during a midweek news conference about multiple subjects, including the club's decision to make quarterback Michael Penix Jr. the No. 8 pick of this year's draft after signing veteran Kirk Cousins in free agency.
The Atlanta Falcons had a bizarre start to the 2024 NFL Draft but it could have been even more weird.
While Kyle Pitts has not yet lived up to his No. 4 overall draft slot, the Falcons have the young tight end talent now paired with a high-priced free agent quarterback (and a No. 8 overall pick at the position).
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