Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer asked a question that every team near the bottom of the barrel in 2024 asked themselves over this year's off-season: Could we be the next Houston Texans? Last year, the Texans were able to pull themselves out of a stalemate of hiring and firing two coaches back-to-back and a 3-13-1 record to become a team that is going all-in on becoming a Super Bowl contender after a stellar 10-7 record and a playoff win against the Cleveland Browns in 2023. In his research, Iyer recognized the Atlanta Falcons as a team that could dig themselves out of the back-to-back-to-back 7-10 rut they found themselves in under Arthur Smith's leadership due to a slew of off-season additions.
The Falcons have been stuck on 7-10 for three consecutive seasons. That was the biggest reason they had to let Arthur Smith go as head coach. His replacement, defensive-minded Raheem Morris, brings a lot of buzz from the Rams, along with rising offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
Kirk Cousins is on track to return from his torn Achilles, pick up where he left off with the Vikings, and keep rookie Michael Penix Jr. on the bench. He can maximize the first-round offensive skill trio of Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson behind a solid line. The Falcons also added unique weapons Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore.
Morris' influence will be key on the defense as he changes the pass-rushing and coverage mindsets. He didn't fare well that first time as a head coach with the Buccaneers in the NFC South, but this time, he's ready to start with a division title at 10-7 or better.
While players played hard for Smith, Pitts, London and Robinson's utilization, or lack thereof, couldn't be ignored. Watching the ball go into the hands of Jonnu Smith and Mack Hollins while deploying London, Robinson and Pitts as decoys was a frustrating watch for fans and fantasy owners alike. In Smith's defense, the quarterback play during his tenure, besides his debut year with Matt Ryan, was mediocre at best. However, he didn't put it together in time to save his job.
Quarterback will no longer be an issue as Fontenot brought in not one, but two premier signal-callers to lead this team for the foreseeable future in Cousins and Penix. With Morris and Robinson in the building now, and with the help of defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, Atlanta should be on their way to their first ten-win season since the magical Super Bowl run in 2016.
