1. Michael Penix Jr.
There is already so much to love about Atlanta's young quarterback that one great final game will send expectations sky high. Sunday's loss was heart-breaking but the Falcons were given all that could have been reasonably expected from their rookie quarterback. The final two drives were both executed at a high level against a playoff team. Penix converting two fourth-and-long situations was impressive and ended it with a game-tying score to Kyle Pitts.
Penix followed this up by giving Riley Patterson a chance to win the game in the final two seconds. Reasonable expectations couldn't have been any higher for a rookie quarterback in his second start. Penix now has a chance to really sell Atlanta's future and give hope in what is a lost season.
Even if the Falcons aren't able to find a playoff miracle there is reason to feel positive about the team moving forward. How many more games do they win with Penix starting the full season? Kirk Cousins was giving away games down the stretch of the season and they simply needed someone to stop the bleeding. It is easy to make an argument with the rookie quarterback the Falcons win 10-11 games and are having a very different conversation.
2. Raheem Morris
The Atlanta Falcons head coach cannot afford another loss to end the year. Your selling point is that this is year one and you've improved the team by two wins to give them their first winning season since 2017. Yes, there are a myriad of frustrations with Morris, however, if you finish the year 9-8 your job is likely safe.
Whether or not the Falcons should fire Raheem Morris is a completely different conversation. However, if the head coach finishes the year with a winning record and one game short of the playoffs his job is likely safe. Even in a loss, the Falcons would be making a surprising move by firing Morris.
A win locks away any chance of making a change and you turn your attention to the 2025 season. A sentiment Atlanta Falcons fans are tired of hearing consistently falling just short for the last three seasons. So many moments have been within reach and the Falcons coming up short has become painfully predictable. If Morris is going to be the head coach to help the franchise turn the corner the growth has to be impressive and coordinator and front office changes must be made.
3. Kyle Pitts
Yet another season of frustrating results from Kyle Pitts that is going to end the same way each of the last three have. Sunday night's clutch touchdown grab was arguably the best moment of Kyle's career and went a long way in helping a season full of frustrations. Still, it doesn't ease concerns about the lack of motor and ability to finish plays. Kirk Cousins wasn't able to unlock Pitts when the veteran was playing well and Penix's first interception was caused by a bad Pitts drop.
There is every reason for the Falcons to throw up their hands and opt to move on from the tight-end. Yes, he is still under contract next season but you could easily move off him this offseason and look to get more consistent production at a cheaper rate.
With that said, another big moment in Sunday's season finale from Penix and Pitts and you're talking yourself into another full season. This isn't to say whether or not the Falcons are making the right decision. It becomes impossible to ignore the potential if Pitts has a great moment or two in this game. With what you've already invested the Falcons are likely talking themselves into another full season of the tight-end.
