Will Falcons take flight again to the Tremendous Bowl quickly?

There is a newfound vitality in Flowery Department, and it begins below heart.

With second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. formally taking the reins in Atlanta, the Falcons enter the 2025 season with actual expectations and actual firepower. Veteran Kirk Cousins, now backing up Penix on a large contract, seems comfy within the mentor position, at the least for now.

However this 12 months, it is the Penix present. And it is exhausting to not get enthusiastic about what’s round him.

The “core 4” of Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts are anticipated to be full-go this fall, and in the event that they keep wholesome, this group has the potential to be one of the crucial dynamic younger items within the NFL. Penix’s deep-ball accuracy and fast decision-making pair completely with London’s physicality, Pitts’ versatility and Bijan’s explosiveness in each the run and move sport.

This crew is not simply constructed for the longer term. It’s constructed to win now.

After years of inconsistency and the lingering heartbreak of blowing a 28-3 lead in Tremendous Bowl LI, followers in Atlanta have cause to imagine that is the 12 months. A 12- or 13-win season is not only a objective, it is an expectation. A playoff berth? All however sure. House-field benefit? Inside attain. And if we’re being daring, which this Falcons crew calls for, there isn’t any cause to not point out the phrases Tremendous Bowl look and Tremendous Bowl champions.

The protection, typically the Achilles heel of previous Falcons groups, has quietly remodeled into a quick, bodily and well-coached unit. With good offseason additions and development from younger playmakers, Atlanta could lastly have a protection to match its offensive potential.

There’s a totally different feeling round this crew. It is not simply hope, however perception. And in a wide-open NFC South, perception could be all of the Falcons have to lastly take flight.