FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — On Saturday evening, the Atlanta Falcons' search for its next defensive coordinator reached its conclusion. For the second-straight offseason, a coaching search has resulted in a reunion.
Jeff Ulbrich, who began the 2024 season as the New York Jets' defensive coordinator before becoming the team's interim head coach, is coming back to Atlanta. It's a move made for the future but carrying a clear connection to the past.
There were a number of reasons that led to the Falcons' decision to part ways with head coach Dan Quinn five games into the 2020 season. Near the top of that list was a defense that had underperformed — another black mark on the resume of the defensive-minded head coach.
During the team's 0-5 start, the defense allowed an average of 32.2 points per game, which ranked 30th in the league. It ranked 31st in yards allowed per game, 28th in red-zone efficiency and 17th in turnovers forced. Atlanta ranked last in defensive EPA.
After Quinn's dismissal, it was Raheem Morris — the team's defensive coordinator at the time — who became interim head coach. He named Ulbrich to replace him as head of the defensive unit. The two worked closely on the defensive game plans with Ulbrich designing the early-down looks and Morris focusing on the third-down packages.
"He's able to coordinate those things in that room, so it's a very comfortable move for us," Morris said of making Ulbrich defensive coordinator in his first press conference as interim head coach in 2020. "It's very comfortable between me and him. We're very tied together on what we want to do and how we want to do it. We worked that way at the end of last year, worked that way at the beginning of this year and we'll continue to do those roles together."
With Morris and Ulbrich free to fully implement their vision for the Falcons' defense, it showed improvement.
Atlanta allowed 23 points per game from Weeks 6-17, which ranked 14th in the NFL. That mark was 20.9 points per game (8th best) prior to allowing 44 points to the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the last week of the season. The Falcons also improved to ninth in red-zone efficiency and ranked 15th in defensive EPA under Morris and Ulbrich.
That is the blueprint this current iteration of the Falcons hope to follow.
The 2024 defense had its own turnaround of sorts before — in an odd form of symmetry — allowing 44 points in their final game of the season against the Carolina Panthers. Still, Atlanta looked vastly different after the bye week when the coaching staff, Morris included, was able to really take a close look and make changes.
No area signified the turnaround more than the pass rush. Atlanta logged just 10 sacks in the first 11 weeks of the season, a mark that ranked last in the league. From Weeks 13-18, the Falcons registered 21 sacks, which were the second-most in the NFL.
The key for Atlanta moving forward, and the challenge for Morris and Ulbrich in their reunion, will be to avoid needing such a turnaround in the first place. A full season of consistency on the defensive side of the ball has eluded the Falcons for more than a decade. It was something both men captured in their previous stints as defensive coordinator — Morris with the Rams, Ulbrich with the Jets.
Morris' high-water mark came in 2021, before the Rams' collective defensive age began to show in subsequent seasons. That year, which ended in a Super Bowl victory, Morris' unit ranked fifth in touchdowns allowed, and third in both sacks and interceptions.
The next two years saw the Jets emerge as a dominant force on defense. During the 2022-23 seasons, New York ranked third in offensive touchdowns allowed, eighth in sacks and 10th in interceptions. That all amounted to Ulbrich's unit ranking first in defensive EPA during that two-year stretch.
Morris and Ulbrich have proven their individual chops, and they have a solid 11-game run — defensively — to point to for a reason why their partnership can prove successful again if given the chance.
This hire will give Atlanta's head coach a coordinator with a track record of success who he trusts fully to oversee one side of the football. Ulbrich's history as a player and reputation for being well-liked by virtually all who have worked with him before should resonate within the locker room as well, continuing to build a culture that was established in Morris' first year.
However, the lesson for the Falcons in 2024 was that expectations mean nothing if the results don't manifest.
The stakes are high for both Morris and his team at this moment. In need of a fresh start on defense, the organization turns to a familiar face. The arguments for or against Ulbrich at this point no longer matter. All that does is that the decision proves to be right.
Join us as we take a look back on our favorite photos from the Atlanta Falcons' 2024-2025 season.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris travels from Los Angeles to Atlanta with his family on Saturday, February 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris poses for a photo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. On Monday, February 5, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from the Bijan Robinson feature filmed in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 8, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Ray-Ray McCloud III poses for portraits in Studio B at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, March 18, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 works out in the pool inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, April 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Matt Ryan poses for portraits for his retirement announcement inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, April 8, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons former quarterback Matt Ryan poses for portraits with team owner Arthur Blank in Studio B at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, April 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from the 2024 Draft Party at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. On Thursday, April 25, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Bish/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 and his mom pose for a retail shoot at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The 2024 Draft Pick Michael Penix Jr. poses for a portrait at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Friday, April 26, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The 2024 Draft Pick Michael Penix Jr. travels from Detroit during the 2024 Draft to the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Friday, April 26, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during OTAs at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 during OTAs at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Final Auditions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, May 20, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Bish/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, May 31, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Thursday, June 6, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud #34 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Monday June 10, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Thursday, June 6, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Monday June 10, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Monday, June 10, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Monday, June 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during OTAs at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is interviewed in his office at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 looks at the new locker room at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 during strength and conditioning Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Charlie Woerner #89 during the 2024 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 in a huddle during the 2024 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, August 5, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. (Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris walks out to the field before the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during a team visit to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. (Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Models pose during Sundays Retail Shoot at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga. on Tuesday August 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24, cornerback Dee Alford #20, safety Justin Simmons #31, safety Jessie Bates III #3, outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0, and outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 during the 2024 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 warms up before the Preseason Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, August 23, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kyle Hinton #68 in the tunnel before the Preseason Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, August 23, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes during the Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Bish/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs before the play during the Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 1 Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Todd Burandt/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores a touchdown during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Team on the sideline during the national anthem prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from the Dirty Birds Nest during the Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Bish/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players warm up before the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 during the Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 catches an interception during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
TI performs prior to the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Samuel L. Jackson during the Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank Ring of Honor ceremony during halftime of the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 in the locker room before the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 returns an interception for a touchdown during the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 speaks in the team huddle before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 make a tackle during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 talks to wide receiver Drake London #5 during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 prepares in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris celebrates in the locker room after the win during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrates in the locker room after the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from an Evening with Matt Ryan presented by Truist at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, September 30,2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores a game-winning touchdown during the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Fan in the Dirty Birds Nest during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan looks on during his Ring of Honor ceremony at halftime of the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 after the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The Coin Toss before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 leads the huddle before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
View of the field painted in the throwback diamond style end zones before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores the game winning touchdown in over time during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons huddle during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 arrives prior to the Week 6 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, October 13, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 poses for portraits for Angry Runs after winning in week six in Studio B at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scene setter image before the Week 7 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Big Boy poses during the OutKast retail shoot at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs for a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 in the locker room prior to the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Players take the field prior to during the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons assistant head coach of defense Jerry Gray poses for portraits for a feature in Studio B at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 prepare in the locker room before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Portraits for Mifland collab in Studio A at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, November 11, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0 supports Future Farmers of America during the My Cause My Cleats initiative. Photos taken at Ticketmaster Studios in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Tuesday, November 26. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 during strength and conditioning workouts at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Players prepare to walk out prior to the Week 14 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, December 8, 2024. (Photo by Brad Rempel/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 walk out to warm ups before the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during the National Anthem before the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates a reception during the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 blocks a punt during the first quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defense celebrates during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 intercepts the ball for a touchdown during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Charlie Woerner #89 and Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 in the locker room before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the National Anthem before the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 huddle prior to the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs in for a touchdown during the Week 17 game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/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 Brandon Magnus/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 Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a touchdown 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)
