The Atlanta Falcons concluded the 2024 NFL season with disappointment, finishing with an 8-9 record and failing to mark the end of their playoff drought, which now stretches back to 2017.
After starting the season strong with hopes of advancing to the postseason, momentum shifted dramatically for the Falcons. They were 6-3 at one point but dropped six of their final eight games, culminating in tragic fashion with a 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers at home on the final day of the season.
This loss not only ended their hopes for the division title but also continued their streak of mediocrity—marking the seventh consecutive year without a winning record. The Falcons, once seen as competitive, were left at the crossroads once more, needing to reassess their strategy moving forward.
During the final game, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showcased his potential, throwing for 312 yards with two touchdowns and contributing one rushing touchdown. Yet, the young player—who only became the starting quarterback late in the season—could not mask the challenges faced by the team overall.
Penix expressed the frustration felt by many fans and players alike. “Just knowing the guys we had around us, it's like we had the opportunity to beat everybody on our schedule,” he said, indicating the collective belief within the locker room about the talent available and the team’s unrealized potential.
Head coach Raheem Morris remains optimistic about the future, particularly with Penix leading the offense. “I feel good about the people that's going to allow us to go out there and have success. I feel good about the additions we'll be able to make within the offseason,” he stated. This optimistic outlook is pivotal after such a disheartening season.
Despite these words of hope, the ends of the season have left many fans feeling weary. The fanbase has waited long for prosperity, and the fallout from yet another losing season has created distrust toward the organization’s leadership. With only two winning seasons over the last eleven years, the scrutiny on general manager Terry Fontenot is accelerating.
Looking at the team’s shortcomings, defensive end Zach Harrison acknowledged the frustrations faced by the supporters. He said, “I guess they kind of have a right to be a little impatient, man. We got to win.”
For 2025, the Falcons' schedule has been confirmed, kicking off with familiar faces within their divisional rivals, the NFC South. Their opponents will include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and the Carolina Panthers, alongside various teams from the NFC West and AFC East.
The upcoming season will see the Falcons hosting teams like the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, venues not visited by these franchises since 2017. The Bills and Dolphins will expect to go toe-to-toe against the Falcons, and fans will get the chance to see these matchups once again.
Atlanta will also face tough opponents on the road, including the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts who also finished second place within their respective divisions this past season. This mix sets the stage for challenges, allowing the Falcons ample opportunity to showcase how they have improved — or failed to do so — over the offseason.
Among the highlights of this last season has undoubtedly been running back Bijan Robinson, who emerged as one of the league’s most exciting talents. He set career highs, cementing his place as the most dependable player for the Falcons this year.
Robinson expressed the sentiment of hope postgame, saying, “I think the future is bright. The hard work is going to pay off at some point.” His enthusiasm reflects the feeling shared by many within the organization, who rely on the young core of players like him and Penix to revitalize the team.
Yet questions remain about the coaching staff’s ability to utilize these burgeoning talents effectively. There's uncertainty around Morris' future following another disappointing season, and many are asking if changes should be made to reflect the current dynamics and aspirations of the team.
“It is important to hold ourselves to high standards,” said Fontenot recently, as he looks to revamp the organization’s direction. Fans hope for tangible improvements, particularly when draft day arrives and potential new players can be brought to the squad.
The Falcons have sold hope to their fans season after season; yet often, this hope has proved fleeting. Atlanta will aim to recover from this season's mistakes, with the goal of achieving significant programs going forward.
With the 2024 season concluded, it’s clear the Falcons should take to heart the lessons learned and begin prioritizing the nurturing and development of their young stars. It seems now more than ever, they'll need to build upon this year’s experiences, hoping beyond hope to end the lack of playoff appearances when they kick off the 2025 season.