FLOWERY BRANCH — Even though the Falcons benched veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins after the 14th game, the offensive unit regrouped and made strides to close the season.
Under the direction of first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and run-game coordinator Dwayne Ledford, the Falcons finished in the top half of the NFL in the four key categories: total yards (369.8 yards, sixth); passing (239.3 yards, fifth), rushing (130.5, 10th) and points (22.9, 13th).
Falcons coach Raheem Morris was pleased with the progress the team made on offense.
“When you look at those guys on the offensive side of the ball, it does create a certain urgency and a certain excitement for you personally,” Morris said.
Running back Bijan Robinson and wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney powered the offense. Also, rookie Michael Penix Jr. did enough over the final three games for the team to activate his status as QB1 from “the quarterback of the future.”
Here’s a position-by-position look at how the Falcons performed last season:
Quarterbacks
Cousins, who signed a four-year deal that included $100 million guaranteed, had the Falcons off to a 6-3 start. He was not the same after a 20-17 loss against the Saints on Nov. 10, where was sacked three times and hit nine times.
Cousins turned into a turnover machine and was benched in favor of Penix, who was taken with the eighth overall pick. Cousins led the league with 16 interceptions.
“I think any time you get a chance to play at a high level like (Penix) was able to do in the last three weeks,” Morris said. “That Washington playoff-like environment, playoff-like environment (against Carolina), and having the ability to make some of the plays that he made in some of those clutch (situations).”
Penix was in a tough spot, as he’d never worked with the first-team players until he started preparing for the Giants, in the 15th game of the season. The plan was for him to run the scout team until he took over in the future.
The Falcons were hoping to get more than 14 starts from Cousins.
Penix started the final three games and went through the game-preparation process.
“Taking a game plan, going out and practicing, executing, making some of the throws that he was able to make,” Morris said. “All of those things will propel him into 2025.”
The Falcons dubbed Cousins as their “backup quarterback” after the season.
Penix completed 61 of 105 passes (58.1%) for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 78.9.
The Falcons picked up 35 first downs passing under Penix.
The Falcons drove the ball down the field more with Penix. He has 10.1 intended air yards per attempt, while Cousins’ had 7.5. Penix also had a pass batted down, two throwaways and seven dropped passes.
Penix had a bad-throw percentage of 22.3% on 23 bad throws. He was on target with 69 passes (67%). The opposition blitzed him 32 times. He ran two run-pass option plays that picked up 6 yards and 15 play-action plays that picked up 119 yards.
“He had just got going (when the regular season ended),” Morris said. “He was starting to get confidence. He was playing with a lot of confidence. He got a chance to go out there and actually be able to do some of the work that he’s been talking about in practice from behind with the clipboard.”
The Falcons believe those numbers will improve.
“Very pleased on what he was able to do,” Morris said. “Would have loved to be able to get him a couple wins in there.”
Nate Peterman was the third quarterback and did not play in a game.
Running backs
Robinson was spectacular as the offense had to rely more on his legs as Cousins’ play was slipping during the 1-4 stretch.
“Bijan is special,” Morris said. “I mean, the human, the football player, the character, soon-to-be leader, taking on an even higher role, wanting it, asking for it, the workload that he was able to carry for us this year.”
Robinson finished with 304 carries for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns. He picked up 82 first downs rushing.
Robinson caught 61 of 72 targets for 431 yards and a touchdown.
“Whatever you ask him to do, he’s going to be able to go out there and do, and he’s going to be able to go out there and help you do it,” Morris said. “He’s a special human. And for me to say that I expected that, I don’t know. He’s as special as you get.”
The Falcons took some flak for taking Robinson with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft.
“Bijan’s unbelievable,” general manager Terry Fontenot said. “He touched the ball that many times. We’re really intentional with his during-the-week workload and the management of him. He was fresh throughout the whole year.”
The Falcons are pleased with Robinson’s production.
“We’ve already had those discussions of what his offseason looks like and how we manage him through the offseason,” Fontenot said. “So, he’s continuing to develop. We’re taking care of him. The way he takes care of his body is exceptional. He’s just a special player, but an even better young man.”
Tyler Allgeier helped to share some of the workload. He had 137 rushes for 644 yards (4.7 per carry) and three touchdowns. He picked up 43 first downs.
Jase McClellan had a disappointing rookie season and ended up on injured reserve. Carlos Washington Jr. ended the season as the third running back.
Wide receivers/tight ends
London and Mooney came 8 yards short of being the first duo since 2012 to have 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Also, wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud had career highs in receptions (62) and yards (686). He had a touchdown reception and picked up 29 first downs.
Blocking tight ends Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley were strong in the run game. However, Kyle Pitts, who was taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, failed to meet expectations in 2024.
Pitts, who caught 47 of 74 targets for 602 yards and four touchdowns this season, was not a major factor in the offense. He had four drops, according to Pro Football Reference’s advance stats. He did catch a 13-yard touchdown pass from Penix Jr. to force overtime against Washington in the 16th game of the season.
“When you take a player that high in the draft, obviously you expect a certain level (of play),” Fontenot said. “We understand that Kyle had a really good rookie year and hadn’t equaled or exceeded that production since then.”
With the Falcons needing help on defense, Pitts could be trade bait to add draft picks.
“There are no excuses that we are making about it,” Fontenot said. “Right now, at this point, like any other player, Kyle has to do everything he can to make sure he’s doing everything he can do this offseason to get the best version of himself.”
Offensive line
The line was anchored by right guard Chris Lindstrom, who was named second-team All-Pro by The Associated Press. It was Lindstrom’s third-consecutive second-team All-Pro selection. He was also named to the 2025 Pro Bowl team, his third consecutive selection.
Lindstrom started all 17 games this season and helped the offense to finish in the top half of the league (16th or higher) in all four major categories.
Center Drew Dalman said that he wanted to return to the Falcons after four seasons. His rookie deal is set to expire.
“It’s been an awesome experience, and I hope it continues and all of that,” Dalman said. “Playing with incredible teammates over the years and having incredible coaches. I’ve enjoyed it and savored every bit of it.”
Dalman missed eight games with an ankle injury, likely a high ankle sprain. Ryan Neuzil filled in admirably and is slated to become a restricted free agent.
Lindstrom had a 93.5 grade and was the top rated guard out of 135, by Pro Football Focus.
Left tackle Jake Matthews (79.8, 14th of 141 tackles) and left guard Matthew Bergeron (70.9, 30th of 135 guards) started all 17 games. Right tackle Kaleb McGary (73.9, 29th of 141) started 16 games.
Dalman had a 78.8 grade and ranked as the fourth best center out of 64.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez
Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez
Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
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