FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — This has been a busy week.
Sunday afternoon was spent watching two NFC South games that came down to the wire and produced outcomes that left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths — team and fans, alike. To anyone who watched Raheem Morris's postgame press conference, that should have been apparent.
He was frank about the work that needs to be done and his disappointment about the on-field result Sunday, especially for the defense. Many of you asked after that game, "But isn't he responsible for that result?" As the head coach, yes, the buck stops with him, but he's not the one out there, snap to whistle. The best analogy I can think of at the moment is the role of a teacher. They prepare students for the test ahead, but they aren't the ones who take the test; there is a greater degree of responsibility on the test-taker for how the results shake out.
Once the grades are in, the teacher uses them to inform the lesson plan and approach moving forward in hopes of getting better results. Well, the evaluations are underway in Flowery Branch. No stone is going to be left unturned in hopes of achieving a passing grade next year. The unfortunate part, though, is that we've now got to wait several months for that next test. It's frustrating for everyone, I can assure you that.
But enough from me, let's here from you.
Millard W. from Florida
This is a hypothetical. How might those close losses have gone if the Falcons had not lost TWO defenders in the meaningless preseason? Bralen Trice, the rookie edge rusher who tore his ACL in Miami, and Demarcco Hellams, projected to start at strong safety, who went down with a severe ankle injury. Rondale Moore, a slot receiver, also suffered a season-ending injury in Miami. In the future, the Falcons should avoid crappy football fields like Miami's — Don't they have some input on preseason games?
Thanks for the question, Millard. While coaches often stay as far away from hypotheticals as possible — and for good reason — I think they are part of what makes sports fun for the fans, so let's dig into it.
Losing Trice, Hellams and Moore all in the same week was certainly a blow. The rookie edge rusher was someone who I was especially excited to see in action, because he looked ahead of the curve in training camp. The other two were undoubtedly going to have a role as well, and I'm very curious to see how Moore would have meshed with Atlanta's offense.
But would they have been enough to swing the close losses in the Falcons' favor this year? It's possible, but I'm a little dubious on that part and think it might be overestimating the impact they would have had. Remember, in the aftermath of those injuries, the team added Justin Simmons and Matt Judon. That's not to say those moves wouldn't have still happened — I don't know — but it's worth pointing out. Personally, I would place Simmons and Judon ahead of the other three on a ranking of players likely to make an impact, even knowing how their 2024 seasons played out.
As to your point about the preseason, I think it's a good way to consider why the Falcons took the approach they did with resting the starters. Raheem Morris talked often about placing a priority on keeping the team healthy and seeing his players in a more controlled environment like practices than in an exhibition game where anything can happen. I know a lot of fans fell on the flip side of that coin, imploring the team to play the starters to get them more prepared for the regular season, but any injury is far more damaging to a team's potential success than, say, 15 snaps in a preseason game would be beneficial. And yes, teams do have some input into the preseason opponent, but location and specific scheme/player matchups are most often the consideration there. Like you, I'm very curious to see if field condition becomes a bigger factor.
Barry W from Rex, Ga.
The Falcons have only 4 draft picks in 2025. It may be true the Falcons went all in in a sense this offseason, but it failed. Last season's draft picks were lackluster as the team mismanaged the draft. You could get a later round draft pick for Pitts. First round pick must be defense. There are quality defensive picks out there. Falcons need help all over the defense. Interior line is aging, and linebackers need depth.
Will: We will get the chance to speak with Terry Fontenot on Thursday morning, and I'm sure he'll receive plenty of draft questions — so stay tuned for that. There are a few varying reports out there, but the Falcons currently have five picks to work with:
- A first-round pick
- A second-round pick
- A fourth-round pick
- Two seventh-round picks
As for how they will spend them, I agree with you that defense should be the way to go. Atlanta's offense feels better set up for next year at this moment, and the flashes on that side of the ball are very real in my opinion. Plus, the early sense from the draft media is that this year's class is better on the defensive side of the ball. Many of the Falcons set to hit free agency are on the defense as well.
To me, all of that adds up to an emphasis on that side of the ball in both free agency and the draft.
Michael S. from Calgary
Now, a few days removed from the end to a disappointing season, it is time to look towards next year. One thing I keep thinking back to is the last time we had an actual franchise QB - so many great Matt Ryan years were wasted with a bottom-ten ranked defense.
Assuming Penix is THE guy, what steps need to be taken to avoid history repeating itself and this team finally playing complementary football?
Will: This questions pairs nicely with Barry's above, Michael. It's clear defense is on a lot of people's minds, which makes sense given the way the season wrapped up. Prior to the Carolina game, the defense had been making real strides as the players began to feel more comfortable in their understanding of the scheme and their roles in it. We saw the improvement in pass rush — 21 sacks in five games — and in early-down run defense. None of that was on display against the Panthers, though, so it's fair to question what the future holds. I point that out only to say that the work the staff did after the bye week shouldn't be entirely dismissed.
The tricky part here is what Barry mentioned above: There are needs at all areas of the defense. A lot of key starters and contributors are set to hit free agency. I liked the growth displayed by Ruke Orhorhoro late in the year, but will he, Brandon Dorlus and a healthy Bralen Trice be enough to feel comfortable about the defensive line? I'm not so sure. Upgrades in the secondary and linebacker spots would also help the team get to the next level, but those could be costly.
At this moment, the best path for success goes through the offense. Atlanta scored 96 points since Week 16 when Michael Penix Jr. stepped into the starting lineup, which were sixth-most in the NFL. That's pretty crazy for a rookie quarterback’s first three starts. My approach would be to build a defense that complements a productive scoring offense, which means pass rushers and ballhawks. If you can't address everything, I'd start there.
Thank you all for today's questions! If I didn't get to yours today, it may be selected in future editions of The Mailbox. The next one will be published Tuesday morning, when Tori will answer your questions.
If you'd like to submit a question for a future mailbox, you may do so here.
Take an overhead look back at the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers during Week 18, shot on Sony.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97, Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3, Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 and the Honorary Captain walk out to the coin toss before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 runs with the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 celebrates a big play during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs with the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates with Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Drew Dalman #67 and Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65after scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90, Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Eddie Goldman #99, Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs with the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson #37 kicks a field goal during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offense huddles during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 and Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 celebrate a big play during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches a pass during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 celebrates with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 after scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 makes a tackle during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 takes a snap during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 runs with the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 runs with the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board after the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
