What Is The Atlanta Falcons Game Plan For Overtaking The NFC South? originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Patience has worn thin surrounding the Atlanta Falcons and their fans. The time to win is now, and given Atlanta has been taking strides forward to do so, what exactly is the game plan to finally stay atop the NFC South?
Defense Is The Key
The Falcons have revamped their defense this year by implementing players who play a more aggressive style of football. The team wants to avoid the preventive style of play of recent years. Signing a veteran like Leonard Floyd will help mentor names like recent draft picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Although Floyd can still contribute significantly, having that depth/voice can only move the needle upwards.
Divine Deablo is another name Atlanta has signed to give them that aggressive nature. Rookies Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. will look to get playing time during week one, and have shown an athletic ability at the cornerback position that was also lacking. UDFA Cobee Bryant will be a name to watch to make the team’s active roster as a defensive back.
Atlanta will definitely be better on defense, and with a few names available via free agency, such as Jalen Ramsey and Jaire Alexander, on June 1st, if Atlanta could find the cap space, that side of the ball could continue to get a much-needed upgrade.
Raheem Morris Will Look To Identify Problems And Implement Solutions Faster
Players themselves usually make a significant jump from year one to year two, but what about coaches? Raheem Morris will be in his second year at the helm for the Atlanta Falcons this year and wants to see growth.
«The number one thing is being able to identify problems faster,» Morris said. «So, when we can identify those problems faster, not waiting so long to fix them, I think that’s something that I could do better personally.»
Morris is aware of some shortcomings from last year, such as clock management issues, and wants to improve in all aspects. It speaks volumes when you have a coach who doesn’t have his head in the clouds but instead wants to communicate and get better in his own right to move the team forward.
Michael Penix Jr. Becomes A Vocal Leader
Penix Jr. has chosen to upgrade his leadership level, knowing that this year is different due to starting the season as QB1. Having such an elevated role has made Penix Jr. more vocal, and his teammates have taken notice and have now created a bond.
«I feel like you can’t lead nobody whenever you don’t know them,» Penix said. «I feel like you got to build relationships. And for me, I want to get to know those guys so I can know who can take certain leadership styles. If it’s verbal, like right there in the moment, or if it’s pull you to the side, just understanding those guys and having that relationship built with those guys.»
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
