The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2025 NFL season determined to break their seven-year playoff drought, the longest in the NFC. This season brings renewed optimism, mainly due to the emergence of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the electric Bijan Robinson, and sure-handed Drake London who will lead the offense.
After a hot start to the 2024 season, the Falcons missed the playoffs, finishing 8–9 after a crushing 44–38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 18.
Following the loss, Penix sent a message to Falcons fans to remain hopeful.
“The message is, continue to believe,” Penix said. “I feel like we got a lot of a lot of talent on this team, a lot of talent coming back, and we’re just going to continue to build off of this year. So I look forward to a lot of playoffs and even Super Bowls in the future here for this organization. So tell the fans continue to believe and we’re going to be coming next year.”
The Falcon’s front office worked hard in the offseason to build around Penix. They extended right tackle Kaleb McGary through 2027, giving the offensive line more continuity and stability. However, the offensive live will have to adjust following McGary’s injury.
On defense, they brought in veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd and added top draft picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. to improve a unit that will be led by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
While Walker and Pearce will play major roles, Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman, Jr. will both start as rookies. “He [Watts] comes from a great background there at Notre Dame,” coach Raheem Morris said. “And what they were able to do, and JD gave him a glowing recommendation. Coach Marcus Freeman does such a great job with all those guys out there.”
Atlanta lost several close games last year due to poor execution on the defensive side of the ball and will need to improve to increase playoff hopes.
If Penix continues to develop and the revamped defense holds the line, 2025 could finally be the season Atlanta returns to the playoffs and puts the drought to rest.
