The Atlanta Falcons displayed a promising offensive performance in the final three games of the 2024 season, with Michael Penix Jr. leading the charge. The team averaged 32 points per game and limited turnovers to just three during this period. In a standout performance, Penix, along with Drake London and Bijan Robinson, became the first under-25 trio to achieve 300 yards passing, 175 yards receiving, and 150 yards rushing in a single game.
As Penix prepares for the upcoming season, NFL defenses will also be strategizing against Atlanta’s evolving offense. Bill Barnwell, a senior NFL writer for ESPN, recently ranked each team’s skill group and placed Atlanta ninth among NFL offenses based on their talent at running back, wide receiver, and tight end.
Barnwell commented on Bijan Robinson’s performance: “Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 pick in 2023, has been very good, but the idea that he was going to be a position-transcendent playmaker turned out to be draft hype.” He noted Robinson’s impressive ranking seventh in RYOE among backs over the past two seasons and highlighted his improved ball security with only one fumble last season compared to four as a rookie. However, Barnwell pointed out that Robinson lacked big plays last season but expects improvement in this area for 2025.
Robinson has yet to become an integral part of Atlanta’s passing game, an aspect the Falcons are focusing on improving this offseason. The team aims to increase explosive plays from their run game as well. If successful in producing consistent runs of 40 yards or more, they could reach their full potential.
In 2024, Atlanta’s passing game made significant strides, achieving the fifth-most passing yards among NFL teams while maintaining a top-ten rush attack. If they maintain this balance and improve further with Penix’s second year in charge of the offense, they could become a high-scoring team.
Penix is seen as a crucial factor for Atlanta’s success. His initial performances were encouraging and align with some beliefs that inserting a young quarterback into an established unit is key to building an effective offense.
With Penix at the helm, the Falcons aim to capitalize on their recent draft investments fully. As they approach a new season with high expectations following positive early feedback akin to a pilot episode debuting successfully, all eyes will be on how they perform throughout an entire campaign.
