FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — An overarching theme of Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot's end-of-season press conference was disappointment.
The unfortunate emotion surrounded just about every question and answer during the nearly 30-minute open dialogue. It described Fontenot's feelings toward the Falcons' seventh consecutive losing season without a playoff bid. It covered Fontenot's feelings toward quarterback Kirk Cousins' midseason downfall. It covered Fontenot's feelings toward the early lack of sacks on defense and the game-deciding missed kicks on special teams.
Disappointment covered just about everything, really. Even his feelings toward his own performance.
"I'm going to be real clear that we haven't done a good enough job — I haven't done a good enough job." Fontenot said. "We haven't won enough. When you haven't won enough, it starts with me. It's my job to make this team a consistent winner."
Fontenot tried, especially in 2024 as Atlanta adopted a win-now mentality. He helped decide on Raheem Morris as the Falcons' new head coach after Arthur Smith was fired following three 7-10 seasons. He signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract and drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in hopes of setting the Falcons up at the position for both the short- and long-term. And he brought in new and old defensive talents — rookie Bralen Trice and veteran Matthew Judon, for example — through the draft and free agency to specifically aid the pass rush.
And yet, disappointment still followed with an 8-9 record that was solidified after the Falcons lost in a Week 18 game they should have won against the Carolina Panthers, who finished 5-12.
Shouldered his share of the blame for the team's lack of success, Fontenot was asked whether he's concerned about his standing within the Falcons' organization. He said no.
"I believe my job is to come in every day and be as effective as I can," Fontenot said. "I don't think about my mortality or my job security or things like that. I worry more about doing the very best I can. I know it's an honor and a privilege to be in this role."
Fontenot joined the Falcons on Jan. 19, 2021, after 18 years with the New Orleans Saints. Atlanta marks his first stint as a general manager. He was previously vice president/assistant general manager in New Orleans.
Though there have been lows, there have also been highs.
Fontenot is a big reason the Falcons drafted Penix, running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, who are all under the age of 25 and have been dubbed "superstars in the making."
He also played a key role in the team signing important free agents such as safety Jessie Bates III, inside linebacker Kaden Elliss and wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who all had strong 2024 seasons.
"We have to look at every aspect of everything we're doing," Fontenot said. "Everybody has to take a humble approach. Because the most important stat is wins and losses. We can point to any positive that we want, but at the end of the day, we have to win more games."
So, even the highlights don't mean much in the team's current situation.
The only way to erase the disappointment in Atlanta is by winning.
"We understand at this point the words don't mean anything," Fontenot said. "We have to speak with our results."
