5 offseason changes Falcons must make to end playoff drought

The Atlanta Falcons put Jimmy Lake in a position that the coordinator was already a questionable decision for. The results were telling and left the team no real debate as to whether or not it is time to move on. There are so many veteran coaches on the market that would likely jump at the chance to work alongside Raheem Morris.

While the head coach may not be accomplished it is clear he is extremely respected by coaches and players alike. Atlanta needs a coordinator willing to leave his own system to put his players in the best possible position to win. Lake was either unwilling or unable to accomplish this consistently in the 2024 season. Leading up to the most obvious examples to end the season. Having DeAngelo Malone on the field in what was a playoff game.

In back-to-back weeks your defense also was put into overtime and didn't manage a stop. It wasn't Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes standing on the other side of the field. Yet your defense appeared to have zero answers offering no resistance on back-to-back weeks on game-winning drives. It speaks to a lack of talent and a need for a change at coordinator.

2. Solve the quarterback drama early

The Atlanta Falcons continue selling the idea they won't cut Kirk Cousins. It is fair to wonder if this is simply posturing as you attempt to find a trade for the veteran. Cousins does have complete control with a no-trade clause that could keep the veteran in Atlanta if that is what he chooses. A choice that seems unlikely as the veteran enters the final years of his career. Cousins is likely fighting for his final chance at starting if things don't go well. The veteran quarterback staying in Atlanta as a backup for Michael Penix Jr. just doesn't make sense.

If you're looking at the money it is cheaper for Cousins to stay on Atlanta's roster than being cut. This is the only reason the idea can be taken seriously at all. However, you're going to be robbing a player that has your respect of a chance to start in the final years of his career. Considering how much coaches and the front office seem to love Cousins this seems unlikely.

Kirk's time in Atlanta is going to end with either a surprise trade or a roster cut. Make the decision early in the offseason and don't allow the drama to build.

3. Focus offseason spending on fixing the defense

The Falcons are going to return ten offensive starters in the 2025 season. The only starter not locked in to return is starting center Drew Dalman. While the center is an important piece of the roster the team has proven themselves capable of surviving stretches without their starter. It wouldn't be shocking if the team opts to move on and look for cheaper production.

Regardless of what path Atlanta chooses to complete the offensive line whatever cap space the team can open must be focused on the defense. With limited draft picks due to tampering and the Matthew Judon trade, moves must be made in free agency. Atlanta's list of needs are obvious starting with creating a capable pass rush.

After fixing the pass rush the team needs to add a starter alongside Jessie Bates at safety and A.J. Terrell at corner. Both players have been more than holding up their expected production with little help around them. Find capable partners for both players and this defense has a chance not only be capable but one of the better units in the conference. A task easier said than done, but with the offense needing so little attention it can be accomplished.

4. Raheem must be willing to improve

Off the field, it is easy to love Raheem Morris and you can see why the head coach is so well-respected around the league. He is a great defensive mind who proved the ability to get the most out of average pieces during his time with the Rams. However, there were a myriad of reasons the Falcons could have chosen to move on from the head coach after year one.

After a 6-3 start the Falcons completely collapsed and finished the year with a losing record. The majority of the blame should be shouldered by the head coach. Whether it was refusing to bench Cousins, hiring Lake, or being unable to make in-game adjustments there was plenty to be frustrated about with Morris.

The head coach was in charge of a collapse that appeared impossible at the start of the season. Still, what Morris is failing at can be fixed. Time management and in-game adjustments are areas coaches can easily grow if they are willing to learn and adapt. What you cannot fake or change is the ability to lead and create belief. Morris has the difficult part down; will the head coach be willing to change what he is lacking?

5. Draft contributors

The Michael Penix Jr. pick remains difficult to evaluate based on the timing of the decision. Atlanta choosing a quarterback so soon after signing Kirk Cousins was viewed as an odd decision. One Atlanta fans are now in love with after Kirk's failure and what we've seen from the rookie quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. is the future and how much credit the front office deserves for this is up for debate.

What isn't is the fact that Fontenot's 2024 draft class is one of the worst in recent history. The Falcons' rookie class was consistently inactive or unable to make an impact if they did find their way into the game. Pieces the Falcons traded up for being unable to find their way onto the active roster was further confirmation Terry Fontenot has been a poor talent evaluator.

As frustrating as it might be the front office won't be facing any changes in 2025. Fontenot is still in charge leaving Atlanta fans wary about how the offseason will go. The good news being it is almost impossible to have a worse class. Atlanta simply needs their front office to find 2-3 contributors in the 2025 draft class to give them a chance to take that next step.