For the seventh consecutive year, the Falcons enter the final game of the season without control of their own destiny. There’s still an outside chance they break their postseason drought, but their fate lies in the hands of Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans Saints, a team that’s been outscored 49-10 over the last two weeks and travels to Tampa Bay as two-touchdown underdogs. With the way the Bucs have played down the stretch, it’s best for Falcons fans to accept fate. Raheem Morris’ time management miscues on Sunday Night Football effectively ended their season.

However, there are some reasons for optimism heading into 2025. The Falcons offensive line continued to build into one of the better units in the league. Bijan Robinson is proving to be worthy of his draft status, blossoming into a top-three running back. Michael Penix Jr. might be the team’s next franchise quarterback, and even the pass rush showed signs of life out of nowhere over the final five weeks, leading the league in sacks, a stat I never thought I would be typing a couple of months ago.

However, while improved, the Falcons pass rush remains the top priority looking ahead at the 2025 offseason.

Pass Rush

The Falcons sack totals since the team’s bye week in Week 12 have been a refreshing turnaround out of nowhere. This group was unequivocally the worst team at rushing the passer through the first 11 games, recording sacks at a historic pace, and not in a good way.

The resurgence in that department is encouraging, and it seems Raheem Morris’ increased involvement in the defensive game plan played a large part in the turnaround. However, there’s still not enough talent across the defensive line, and a couple of key pieces are heading towards free agency. Like pitchers in baseball, NFL teams can never have enough pass rushers. The Falcons still need an influx of talent whose sole focus is getting after the quarterback.

Cornerback

Another position that can never have enough bodies, the Falcons cornerbacks performed rather admirably for most of the season. A.J. Terrell finished the season strong, and Mike Hughes was a revelation across from him. But Dee Alford was a glaring weakness, as evident in the Falcons’ recent contest against the Commanders. The slot corner position is a place that must be a focal point this offseason, and the depth could also be vastly improved.

Linebacker

This is a position group that really underwhelmed in 2024. Kaden Elliss picked things up at the end of the season, playing like an All-Pro. But Troy Andersen lost another season due to injuries, and Nate Landman took a massive step back. Hopefully, Andersen can stay healthy next season, but the Falcons could stand to upgrade from Nate Landman.

Safety

Safety is another pressing need. Justin Simmons was serviceable, but he certainly underwhelmed down the stretch, given the preseason expectations after the Falcons signed him in the offseason. Jessie Bates III is a superstar, but he needs a long-term running mate.

Wide Receiver

There’s not much on offense that must be addressed, but the Falcons could stand to use another wide receiver. Drake London is a bonafide WR1, and Darnell Mooney far exceeded expectations in his first year with the team. However, with Kyle Pitts proving to be unreliable yet again, another pass catcher could really benefit the unit as a whole, especially with a gunslinger like Michael Penix Jr. taking over under center.

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire