Lost seasons are always difficult to digest, especially when your team is approaching nearly a decade of not making the playoffs. A franchise that has been aggressive in acquiring talent can’t possibly be looking toward 2026 before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, that’s where the Falcons stand at a time of uncertainty across the organization. A feel-good win against the Saints will help alleviate some of the current tension, but there are lingering questions that will be addressed in January.
For one
of the best times of the year, it’s a good time to reflect on the positives. There is no shortage of talent when assessing the roster. The rapid growth of young talent on both sides of the ball inspires optimism for the future. A defense that is capable of sacking quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and making opponents uncomfortable has been refreshing for fans. An offense with three exceptional players who can always be counted on.
It’s not all doom and gloom in Atlanta. Here are five things to be thankful for with the Falcons.
Bijan Robinson’s excellence
It was recently highlighted that Robinson leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage since entering the league in 2023. That isn’t a major surprise, considering his efficiency and durability. Many of the best running backs endure injuries or decline after taking on heavy workloads in previous seasons. It’s a grueling position where longevity and consistency must be cherished. That is one of many reasons why fans should be thankful for what Robinson has done in becoming Atlanta’s latest beloved superstar.
You can rave about his pacing, patience, vision, power, and explosiveness. His extraordinary skill set gives the offense a platform to be imaginative while creating nightmares for opposing defenders. No matter the schematic frustrations or blocking limitations, Robinson makes his mark in every game. Jaw-dropping plays will occur. Tackles will be broken. Fans will be left in awe of him accelerating and gliding across the field. Forget the running back first-round value debates. Ignore the absurd trade fairytales to rebuild the roster. Be thankful for one of the league’s most electrifying players.
Drake London’s mentality
There are plenty of ways the star wide receiver makes Falcons fans thankful for his presence. He is producing explosive plays at a higher rate in his fourth season, after being plagued with below-average to non-viable quarterback play for most of his career. The physicality he plays with generates plenty of excitement, knowing opposing defensive backs are powerless at times, attempting to contain him. It’s always a special feeling when your team has a certified alpha wide receiver.
London continues to make sensational catches and become more dangerous after the catch. There are no limits to what he can do on the field. Besides having tremendous physical gifts and an incredible work ethic, his success can be attributed to his mindset. I interviewed London after the Falcons’ thrilling win over the Eagles last season. His understanding of how valuable every opportunity to get the ball is drives him to be a player every team would want to go to battle with. Be grateful for a true tone-setter who plays fearlessly with endless intensity.
Rookie class changes the defensive landscape
In an unfortunate lost season, there is one immediate thing fans can appreciate after years of watching a directionless defense. The front office drafted four players who look primed to be valuable difference makers for years to come. There is understandable outrage about how James Pearce Jr. was selected and some concern about Billy Bowman Jr’s development after tearing his Achilles in an injury-plagued season. When focusing on all four rookies as overall talents, it’s impossible not to be excited.
Pearce Jr. has produced four sacks in the last three games. His ability to convert speed to power is starting to translate into genuine success, while his bend and versatility rushing from different spots are improving. Jalon Walker continues to shine in a variety of roles, from generating pressure across different alignments to setting the edge against the run to spot dropping into coverage. Xavier Watts has endured some growing pains, but his instinctiveness and ferocity consistently stand out. Bowman Jr.’s tenacity and ball skills were hugely encouraging as a dynamic slot corner. Be appreciative that the front office’s vision to revamp the defense within the draft is coming to fruition.
Linebacker dynamism
Other than offensive line play, the most common personnel issues for teams have stemmed from the linebacker position. There is a scarcity of dependable three-down linebackers. The Falcons managing to identify Divine Deablo as a player who could address their glaring hole at the position has been massive in their defensive success. From his range in coverage to his knack for taking on blocks effectively to run gap discipline, he has delivered on everything a coaching staff wants from a off-ball linebacker.
Signing Deablo has reduced the pressure on Kaden Elliss to handle major coverage responsibilities. As versatile and diligent as Elliss is, he is far more effective playing near the line of scrimmage than dropping 15 yards into coverage. Deablo’s skill set, with Jeff Ulbrich’s excellent coaching, has enabled him to excel where he is most comfortable as a devastating pass rusher and penetrating run stopper. The defense is at its best when Deablo and Elliss are on the field. Be hopeful they remain healthy to lead the Falcons’ defense forward for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Franchise cornerstones
Amid a season of chaos and conflict, many things can get lost in the shuffle. That includes not acknowledging the greatness of players who have been outstanding for multiple seasons. Chris Lindstrom and Jessie Bates fall into that category. While Bates has been on the receiving end of more big plays than expected and hasn’t produced those game-changing turnovers, he remains a defensive anchor who keeps the secondary in sync. His communication on the back end is incredibly valuable. The Falcons don’t force two turnovers and produce two fourth-down stops against the Colts without him. He was exceptional against one of the premier offenses in the league.
Lindstrom continues to be the driving force behind the running game’s identity. The way e consistently seals off interior linemen, no matter their size or playing style, to create running lanes makes a substantial difference. The three-time second-team All-Pro guard ranks first in Pro Football Focus’ run blocking category. While the instability across the offensive line has derailed the offense in several games this season, Lindstrom remains as reliable as ever. Be relieved that there are veterans among the best at their respective positions and have established themselves as highly regarded leaders on the roster.
