FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Happy 60th birthday to the Atlanta Falcons.
On this day — June 30 — in 1965, Rankin M. Smith Sr. was granted ownership of the team by former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. In the six decades since their founding, the Falcons have compiled a 398-512-6 regular-season record and a 10-14 postseason record across 14 playoff appearances.
Current owner Arthur Blank purchased the franchise in 2002. General manager Terry Fontenot joined in 2021. And head coach Raheem Morris arrived in 2024.
In honor of the Falcons entering another year of existence, below are five reasons to be excited in the upcoming season of 2025.
Michael Penix Jr. as starting quarterback
It is very possible a new era has begun in Atlanta with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. becoming the starter. The Falcons selected Penix with the No. 8 overall draft pick in 2024. The original plan was for him to develop behind veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year deal a month prior to the tentpole event, but that went awry when the Falcons benched Cousins in favor of the rookie in Week 16. Atlanta's plan for its young quarterback was then sped up.
Penix showed a lot of potential while starting the final three games for the 2024 season, completing 58 of his 100 pass attempts for 737 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. The completion rate and multiple picks may initially raise concern. However, originally the backup, Penix never really worked with the first-team offense last year, so they were getting to know one another's quirks and preferences on the fly. Imagine what Penix can do after a full offseason and preseason with his fellow starters.
Oh, and don't forget, Penix also scored on a 5-yard run, showing a preview of his athleticism and mobility.
"Obviously, we know the talent. We know the things he can do on the field," Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said. "Now, it's like, 'Man, this is your team. Let's roll with this thing.' And he's been great. I mean, he's been great since he's been here, but now you can feel that next level taking over."
Offense is full of weapons
Speaking of Penix's fellow starters, there is an abundance of offensive weapons at his disposal. Wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney combined for 14 touchdowns and 2,263 yards. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier collectively totaled 17 touchdowns and 2,100 yards. And tight ends Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner added another four touchdowns and 648 yards. None of the players listed are new in 2025, so they're able to build upon their relationships with Penix.
Although they don't add to the stat sheet, the Falcons also return most of their starting offensive line. From left to right, it'll go tackle Jake Matthews, guard Matthew Bergeron, center Ryan Neuzil, guard Chris Lindstrom and tackle Kaleb McGary. The only one who could be considered a newcomer is Neuzil, but he started eight games last season when Drew Dalman – now with the Chicago Bears – was injured.
So, Penix enters an ideal situation with a plug-and-play offense.
"The amount of reps that they'll get — offseason, OTAs, training camp, whether they're working out on their own — it's just going to be huge for this offense taking the next step," Falcons quarterback coach T.J. Yates said. "And it's not like a typical rookie quarterback, where he doesn't have a lot of skill around. We've got a lot of awesome weapons around him, aside from Michael's talent. So, we're extremely excited about where this offense can go."
Defense features youth and experience
The Falcons were not happy with how the defense performed last season, placing 23rd in total yards allowed. Therefore, leadership went to work in the offseason to improve personnel through the draft and free agency. The result now is a deeper unit with a variety of experiences.
There's a good chunk of veteran players – like inside linebacker Kaden Elliss, defensive lineman Morgan Fox, edge rusher Leonard Floyd and safety Jessie Bates III – who will undoubtedly have an elevated role this season. There's also a large number of players still on their rookie contracts – such as the four draft picks, inside linebacker JD Bertrand, defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie – who will likely see significant playing time. That range bodes well for not only the present but future as well.
What will be interesting to see is how guys are rotated and who shares the field.
"Some of those guys in that last year's draft class are going to be really helpful in us getting better and in some of the things we can do," Morris said. "Then, being able to add this year. You're constantly trying to grow your team, but you're definitely confident you're going to be a lot better on that side of the ball this year."
DRAFT RECAPS: Jalon Walker | James Pearce Jr. | Xavier Watts | Billy Bowman Jr.
Pass rush is the priority
Atlanta didn't just bring in new defensive players it also hired a new defensive coordinator in Jeff Ulbrich, defensive line coach in Nate Ollie and defensive pass game coordinator in Mike Rutenberg. Ulbrich and Ollie, specifically, have been tasked with improving the Falcons' pass rush. It is no secret they have struggled in that regard as of late. In fact, last season, Atlanta ranked 31st in sacks with 31 overall. And since 2018, it ranks last overall.
Ulbrich and Ollie both have strong track records of improving a team's pass rush. Ulbrich joined the New York Jets in 2021. From 2022-24, the Jets ranked within the top 11. Ollie was also with the Jets in 2021. From 2022-23, though, he worked for the Indianapolis Colts, who never dropped below 10th in sacks. Then, in 2023, he helped get the Houston Texans to fourth.
Both of them have seen the attack-style front succeed, and that's why it has been implemented in Atlanta.
"You can't thrive in this league from a defensive standpoint," Ulbrich said, "without a good pass rush."
Raheem Morris enters Year 2 in charge
Morris was named the Falcons' 19th head coach on Jan. 25, 2024. He led Atlanta to an 8-9 record. It wasn't a winning season, but it was the best the Falcons have done since 2017 when they went 10-6. Otherwise, the Falcons couldn't eclipse seven wins, including a 7-10 run from 2021-23 under Morris' predecessor, Arthur Smith.
The goals and expectations for 2024 were higher than what the Falcons ultimately reached. However, the first step toward reaching those same goals and expectations in 2025 is learning from past mistakes or shortcomings. Morris did that during the offseason, admitting he can be better and faster at decision-marking – and striving to do so.
If those in charge can take accountability, it's a good sign for those they lead.
"You definitely have a process," Morris said. "But it's steadily growing and learning every time you go out there and do anything that you do within this game."
In honor of our 2025 schedule release, ArtButMakeItSports has curated a few special pieces of artwork to represent the biggest matchups of the season.
Man offering a gift to a boy, Athenian, 5th century B.C.
The Stone Breakers, by Gustave Coubet, 1849
A Falcon Attacking Poultry, by Pieter Casteels II, 1719
The Hunters in the Snow, by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, 1565
Falconer, by Master of San Baudelio, c. 1125-50
The Burial of the Sardine, by Francisco Goya, 1812-19
Inlay Depicting a Falcon with Spread Wings, 4th century B.C.
Two Dancers Entering the Stage, by Edgar Degas, 1877-78
A Parrot Perched on a Mango Tree; a Ram Tethered Below, 1730-70
Saint Jerome in Penitence, by Lorenzo Lotto, 1515
The Falconer, by Thomas Couture, 1846
Bouillonnement violet, by František Kupka, 1920
Honorable mentions
-- After a preseason closed to the public due to construction, fans are welcome back to the facility this year for 11 open training camp practices. Learn more here.
-- For a Week 10 international showdown, the Falcons will play the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, Germany, for the first time in NFL history. Learn more here.
-- Speaking of the schedule, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to host the season opener and finale amid Atlanta's eight home games. Learn more here.
