The 2024 NFL season was truly a roller coaster for the Atlanta Falcons. After a 1-2 start, the team won five of its next six games to get to 6-3 at midseason. From there, things went south for the Falcons.
Starting in Week 10, quarterback Kirk Cousins’ play began to decline and the team went on a four-game losing streak. Finally, head coach Raheem Morris benched Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16.
The Falcons offense took a major leap with Penix under center, but they still finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season.
However, Penix’s promising play somewhat mitigated the disappointment. The rookie was among the Falcons’ top-rated players this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Falcons PFF grades: Top 10 players
- OG Chris Lindstrom: 93.5
- RB Bijan Robinson: 92.8
- QB Michael Penix Jr.: 87.9
- WR Drake London: 87.8
- RB Tyler Allgeier: 86.4
- CB Kevin King: 81.7
- DB Natrone Brooks: 80.8
- S Jessie Bates III: 80.2
- OT Jake Matthews: 79.8
- C Drew Dalman: 78.8
Lindstrom has consistently been one of Atlanta’s highest-graded players throughout his career. He finished 2024 with a team-high 93.5 overall grade. Second-year running back Bijan Robinson finished second with a 92.8 PFF grade.
The Falcons have plenty to figure out this offseason, including what to do with Cousins and his remaining contract. Plus, Atlanta has a long list of players set to hit free agency. The team has officially landed the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.