ATLANTA, Georgia — The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2025 season with a different feel, a different quarterback, and a clearer identity under head coach Raheem Morris. In his second year on the sideline, Morris has made it clear the franchise is moving forward with Michael Penix Jr. as its starter, and the roster around him is young, fast, and built to compete in a wide-open NFC South.
Penix Takes the Reins
The Falcons confirmed what many expected: Penix will open the season as the starting quarterback. Kirk Cousins, signed just last year, shifts into a backup role as the team prioritizes the long-term future. Morris held Penix out of preseason games, saying his goal was to preserve the health of his starters and keep them fresh for September.
The move sets up a defining moment for Penix, who showed in college that he can stretch the field vertically with one of the strongest arms in recent drafts. Now, the test is consistency and decision-making against NFL defenses. Atlanta’s offense is designed to support him with balance and playmakers.
Offense Built on Playmakers
At the heart of that support is running back Bijan Robinson. Entering his third season, Robinson already has a reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic players, equally dangerous as a runner and receiver. He is expected to be the centerpiece of the offense, especially as Penix settles into the role.
On the outside, Drake London leads the receiving corps. At 6-foot-4, he provides a reliable target and has grown into the Falcons’ top option in the passing game. London and Penix have shown encouraging chemistry in camp, with London’s ability to win contested catches giving his quarterback margin for error.
The offensive line remains a strength, anchored by Chris Lindstrom, and the Falcons have invested heavily to keep protection stable. That foundation, combined with Robinson’s versatility, gives Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson the tools to ease Penix into the job while still pushing for explosive plays.
A Defense Turning Young
While the offense has established stars, the defense is defined by its youth. The Falcons used two first-round picks to add front-seven talent, and both rookies are expected to play right away.
Linebacker Jalon Walker, drafted 15th overall out of Georgia, brings range and instincts. He was one of the top defenders in college football and now steps into a unit that needs speed in the middle. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr., selected later in the first round, offers pass-rush ability the Falcons have lacked for years. His development will be closely watched, but the team believes he can generate pressure quickly.
Beyond them, safety Xavier Watts and nickel corner Billy Bowman Jr. are also penciled into significant roles. That reliance on rookies signals a deliberate youth movement. The challenge will be how quickly they can adjust to the pro game, but the ceiling is high if they settle in.
Competing in the NFC South
The Falcons do not need to be perfect to contend. The NFC South remains one of the league’s weakest divisions, with no clear powerhouse. The Buccaneers, Saints and Panthers each carry their own questions, giving Atlanta a realistic shot at the crown if Penix adapts quickly and the defense holds.
Oddsmakers set the Falcons’ projected win total around eight or nine games, but the ceiling could be higher if their young quarterback delivers. Double-digit wins would not be out of reach, especially given the overall schedule. Still, Morris has been clear that development and growth are as important as raw results. The team is building for sustained contention, not a one-year swing.
The 2025 Schedule
Atlanta’s path includes several showcase moments. The Falcons open at home inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium with divisional matchups that could set the tone early. They also host heavyweights such as the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.
One of the highlights of the season comes in Week 10, when the Falcons travel to Berlin to face the Indianapolis Colts in an international game. That trip is a franchise milestone and offers the league a chance to showcase Penix to a global audience.
The back half of the schedule is loaded with divisional games, including December clashes that could decide playoff spots. The stretch run is difficult, but it also provides opportunity. If Atlanta is within reach of the division lead, those games will carry postseason weight.
Defining Year for Morris
For Morris, entering his second year as head coach is about building momentum and culture. His first season laid the groundwork, and this year represents the transition to a new core of players. By committing to Penix, trusting rookies in the starting lineup, and shaping the roster toward youth, the Falcons are signaling patience but also ambition.
Realistic Outlook
The Falcons are unlikely to be flawless, especially on defense, where rookies will make mistakes. Penix will also face growing pains in his first NFL season as a starter. But the upside is clear: Robinson and London provide elite support, the offensive line is stable, and the young defense has athleticism the franchise has lacked.
Realistically, Atlanta should compete deep into December for the division. A winning record and a playoff berth are attainable goals, especially in a division where nine or 10 wins could secure first place. The team’s ceiling depends on how quickly Penix matures and whether Walker and Pearce Jr. can anchor a defense that has struggled in recent years.
For the Falcons, 2025 is less about chasing perfection and more about charting a new direction. With Morris in year two and Penix at the helm, that direction feels sharper than it has in years.
