The Atlanta Falcons open training camp with more questions than answers and a growing sense of déjà vu.
Despite flashy names like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Jessie Bates, the buzz around Atlanta feels muted. In a league driven by quarterback certainty and pass-rush disruption, the Falcons are banking on an unproven quarterback to fix both. And that’s why, once again, they’re flirting with being an afterthought.
Atlanta’s potential to break out (or break down) hasn’t gone unnoticed. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, part of a panel ranking all 32 teams heading into camp, pointed to the team’s instability at key spots and called them one of the league’s biggest wild cards.
"The Falcons could win 10 games and the division. Or lose the same amount and once again be an afterthought," Davenport wrote. Atlanta hasn’t reached the postseason since 2017, and there’s no guarantee that changes in 2025."
That tension between promise and volatility defined much of Atlanta’s offseason strategy. The front office made calculated moves to patch last year’s holes, but the true impact won’t be clear until the regular season kicks off. The roster isn’t short on talent, but cohesion remains a looming question.
The offseason brought bold moves and fresh hope. The Falcons signed veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd and added Morgan Fox to bolster the defensive line. In the secondary, they brought in Jordan Fuller and used a third-round pick on Xavier Watts, hoping to add youth and flexibility next to Jessie Bates. They also invested in the future by selecting Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round, two athletic edge rushers expected to energize a pass rush that ranked among the league’s worst.
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On offense, the team handed the reins to Michael Penix Jr. after just one season with Kirk Cousins. There’s a belief in Penix’s physical tools, but his development is still in its early stages. The offense now hinges on his ability to find rhythm with key playmakers and stay composed in high-leverage moments.
All in all, the Falcons have talent and a favorable division. But until their reworked core proves it can win together, expectations will stay grounded. There’s a path to relevance here, but it’s one they still need to build.