The Atlanta Falcons have undergone massive changes this offseason that set new expectations for 2024. An aggressive summer means the Falcons are expected to be legitimate postseason contenders. Anything less than a NFC Championship Game appearance can be seen as a disappointment.
The Falcons parted ways with former head coach Arthur Smith after three seasons. Smith went 7-10 in three consecutive campaigns, compiling an overall record of 21-30. General manager Terry Fontenot cast a wide net during the team’s coaching search.
After originally being connected to Bill Belichick and others throughout the interview process, the Falcons ultimately hired former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Morris assembled a strong staff of assistants, including Sean McVay disciple Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator.
The move that really changed expectations was the signing of free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. Constant questions and shuffling of the quarterback position doomed Smith's tenure. The Falcons were hellbent not to saddle Morris with the same problem, signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal.
Signing a soon-to-be 36-year-old quarterback to a multi-year contract opens an immediate window of competition in Atlanta. The Falcons signed Cousins because they believe he's capable of winning them a Super Bowl within the next three years. Cousins is inheriting a solid supporting cast that makes dreaming big possible.
Drake London is a legitimate No. 1 receiver. The room has been expanded to include Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore. Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts qualify as offensive weapons with more upside than they were allowed to showcase under the previous regime.
There was some risk involved when signing Cousins. The four-time Pro Bowler suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in October. Before going down, Cousins was completing 69.5% of his passing attempts and was on track to throw for approximately 4,955 yards and 38 touchdowns. The Falcons hope he'll swiftly recapture that form.
The one peculiar decision the Falcons made this offseason was the drafting of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall. Every other move made by the Falcons this summer insinuated a "win now" approach. Utilizing a premium top-10 selection on a player that won't help them achieve that goal is questionable given the urgency adding Cousins represents. It was an overcorrection from the Smith era, which didn't have any immediate or future solutions at quarterback.
Defensively, Morris is expected to run the show, but he appointed former Washington Huskies defensive coordinator and head coach Jimmy Lake as his DC. Lake will rely on stars like Grady Jarrett, Jessie Bates III, and A.J. Terrell to carry the unit. Young pass rushers such as Zach Harrison and Ruke Orhorhoro will have to make an impact if the Falcons' defense is to reach its ceiling.
The Falcons ushered in a new era that welcomes significant expectations. Winning their first NFC South division title since 2016 sits atop the priority list. From there, competing with the NFC's powerhouses throughout the postseason is the assumption.
