What's going on, Dirty Birds.

What's going on, Dirty Birds.

This is Tory mcelhaney joined by Tarren Walkin on us Upon for the Falcons Final Whistle Podcast presented by Zaxby's, and we are here to break down a season finale of the Atlanta Falcons twenty twenty four season that didn't quite go I think the way that many thought it would. The Falcons lost in overtime forty four to thirty eight to the Carolina Panthers, who finished their season five and twelve. The Falcons finished theirs eight and nine, and, as Will wrote in Our Rundown, on a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, the Atlanta Falcons twenty twenty four season is officially over because simultaneously, as the Falcons lost to the Bucks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held on and beat the New Orleans Saints to clinch the NFC South for the fourth fifth year in a row. Remember exactly how many it's been, but it's been a long time since the Falcons have been atop the NFC South, I can tell you that. So now that the season is kind of over, guys, and we look back on what it was before we even get into this game, I want to talk big picture, How did you feel kind of.

This is Tory mcelhaney joined by Tarren Walkin on us Upon for the Falcons Final Whistle Podcast presented by Zaxby's, and we are here to break down a season finale of the Atlanta Falcons twenty twenty four season that didn't quite go I think the way that many thought it would. The Falcons lost in overtime forty four to thirty eight to the Carolina Panthers, who finished their season five and twelve. The Falcons finished theirs eight and nine, and, as Will wrote in Our Rundown, on a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, the Atlanta Falcons twenty twenty four season is officially over because simultaneously, as the Falcons lost to the Bucks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held on and beat the New Orleans Saints to clinch the NFC South for the fourth fifth year in a row. Remember exactly how many it's been, but it's been a long time since the Falcons have been atop the NFC South, I can tell you that. So now that the season is kind of over, guys, and we look back on what it was before we even get into this game, I want to talk big picture, How did you feel kind of.

As you're sitting there, because I know, for me, I was.

As you're sitting there, because I know, for me, I was.

Sitting and watching when the game happening in front of us, and then also on the laptop watching what the Saints were doing, and at halftime when this thing could have it felt like the NFC South was literally like hanging in the balance for sure, and then obviously it turned the complete wrong way for the Falcons. But what were your thoughts you guys, as y'all were going through through the day and watching what the Saints were doing, what the Bucks were doing, and then what we were watching for the Falcons on and you want to go first.

Sitting and watching when the game happening in front of us, and then also on the laptop watching what the Saints were doing, and at halftime when this thing could have it felt like the NFC South was literally like hanging in the balance for sure, and then obviously it turned the complete wrong way for the Falcons. But what were your thoughts you guys, as y'all were going through through the day and watching what the Saints were doing, what the Bucks were doing, and then what we were watching for the Falcons on and you want to go first.

Yeah, I mean I was definitely watching because I even have it like for the stream, I have it earlier, so I'm able to see everything that's happening before anybody really knows other than the people that are there with the live stream. And it felt like things were trending in the way like, oh, could this actually happen right? Like the Saints were up, the Falcons, you know, were neck and neck with the with the Panthers, and it felt like, okay, the things that like they had been saying this whole time, control what you can control.

Yeah, I mean I was definitely watching because I even have it like for the stream, I have it earlier, so I'm able to see everything that's happening before anybody really knows other than the people that are there with the live stream. And it felt like things were trending in the way like, oh, could this actually happen right? Like the Saints were up, the Falcons, you know, were neck and neck with the with the Panthers, and it felt like, okay, the things that like they had been saying this whole time, control what you can control.

That's what they're doing.

That's what they're doing.

They have it in their hands right now and let's just see, how, you know, things fall as they may. And then the second half of both teams happened and it was funny how it was happening. Yeah, literally simultaneous, right, yeah, because as like the Falcons, I think it was their last touchdown to tie it up before getting into overtime. The flags were waving and Mercedes Been Stadium just as Tampa Bay goes up twenty seven to nineteen, and it's.

They have it in their hands right now and let's just see, how, you know, things fall as they may. And then the second half of both teams happened and it was funny how it was happening. Yeah, literally simultaneous, right, yeah, because as like the Falcons, I think it was their last touchdown to tie it up before getting into overtime. The flags were waving and Mercedes Been Stadium just as Tampa Bay goes up twenty seven to nineteen, and it's.

Like, oh yeah, it was like the energy just kind of diffused out of the building.

Like, oh yeah, it was like the energy just kind of diffused out of the building.

A little bit. Yeah.

A little bit. Yeah.

I mean like on the first play of overtime, Tampa won, they clinched, it was over, and.

I mean like on the first play of overtime, Tampa won, they clinched, it was over, and.

It kind of felt like a moot's point at that point for the Falcons to go into overtime with the Panthers. Taran, I'm curious your thoughts on the day and what it ended up acculminating to.

It kind of felt like a moot's point at that point for the Falcons to go into overtime with the Panthers. Taran, I'm curious your thoughts on the day and what it ended up acculminating to.

Oh boy, I mean, I think it was very interesting how interesting the Saints made it for everyone, true, and how interesting the Panthers made it for everyone. Yes, I think entering week eighteen, the idea was the Buccaneers are going to slaughter the Saints and the Falcons are gonna defeat the Panthers.

Oh boy, I mean, I think it was very interesting how interesting the Saints made it for everyone, true, and how interesting the Panthers made it for everyone. Yes, I think entering week eighteen, the idea was the Buccaneers are going to slaughter the Saints and the Falcons are gonna defeat the Panthers.

Yeah, Like, I don't know that.

Yeah, Like, I don't know that.

Anyone would have written up what happened and how close both games were. Broadcasts probably couldn't have asked for anything better. So flowers to the NFL broadcast teams in that regard having them play at the same time.

Anyone would have written up what happened and how close both games were. Broadcasts probably couldn't have asked for anything better. So flowers to the NFL broadcast teams in that regard having them play at the same time.

Multiview probably was working really really hard for a lot of people.

Multiview probably was working really really hard for a lot of people.

Exactly, And I just.

Exactly, And I just.

I come away thinking, like the Saints fought harder than the Falcons did for the falcons.

I come away thinking, like the Saints fought harder than the Falcons did for the falcons.

Future, if that makes sense.

Future, if that makes sense.

I mean, it's a good point.

I mean, it's a good point.

Is that a weird way to freeze it?

Is that a weird way to freeze it?

No, I don't think so, because ultimately the Falcons needed I mean to put it all out there, and I'm probably not saying anything that people at home don't already know, but the only way for the Falcons to reach the postseason and to clinch the NFC South was for the Saints to beat the Bucks and them to sign simultaneously beat the Panthers.

No, I don't think so, because ultimately the Falcons needed I mean to put it all out there, and I'm probably not saying anything that people at home don't already know, but the only way for the Falcons to reach the postseason and to clinch the NFC South was for the Saints to beat the Bucks and them to sign simultaneously beat the Panthers.

That was the only way.

That was the only way.

And the Saints had nothing on the line, nothing, so like, had they won, it would have been solely morausing.

And the Saints had nothing on the line, nothing, so like, had they won, it would have been solely morausing.

But the Falcons had.

But the Falcons had.

Their season on the line, like it wasn't completely all in their control, but they had to win. The Saints didn't need to win, Yeah, but the Falcons did, and one of them played that way.

Their season on the line, like it wasn't completely all in their control, but they had to win. The Saints didn't need to win, Yeah, but the Falcons did, and one of them played that way.

Yeah.

Yeah.

No, it's a good point. And you know, let's talk a little bit about the game. And I don't want to honestly, because of how the game ended and because the season ended, Like, I really don't want to talk too much about this game because in the grand scheme of things, I don't think anyone's really gonna remember it. If I'm the script lines about the.

No, it's a good point. And you know, let's talk a little bit about the game. And I don't want to honestly, because of how the game ended and because the season ended, Like, I really don't want to talk too much about this game because in the grand scheme of things, I don't think anyone's really gonna remember it. If I'm the script lines about the.

Game, No, we're going we were.

Game, No, we're going we were.

Don't worry.

Don't worry.

I'm still gonna go by the script. Don't worry, Will I'm going by your script. But I was like, I just wanted to start off by saying, like, in the grand scheme of things, like this game feels kind of like a throwaway game because of everything that happened to this point, everything that we're going to remember the twenty twenty four season by, to me, it's not going to be how this thing ended and how it looked at the very very end, granted outside of maybe what Michael Pennix is doing, but let's talk about what this game was. The Falcons lost in overtime again, forty four to thirty eight. OMNA, what was the most surprising part of this game for you?

I'm still gonna go by the script. Don't worry, Will I'm going by your script. But I was like, I just wanted to start off by saying, like, in the grand scheme of things, like this game feels kind of like a throwaway game because of everything that happened to this point, everything that we're going to remember the twenty twenty four season by, to me, it's not going to be how this thing ended and how it looked at the very very end, granted outside of maybe what Michael Pennix is doing, but let's talk about what this game was. The Falcons lost in overtime again, forty four to thirty eight. OMNA, what was the most surprising part of this game for you?

That the defense folded in the way that they did. Like Carolina, Granted, Bryce Young has been playing a lot better and in the Falcons has been saying that all week. They took notice of what Bryce has been able to do, but the fact that like, it just looked so easy for them. They were flying up and down the field. Bryce had two rushing touchdowns work he essentially just like walked in like you know, a couple of those other touchdowns are were just like wide open, guys.

That the defense folded in the way that they did. Like Carolina, Granted, Bryce Young has been playing a lot better and in the Falcons has been saying that all week. They took notice of what Bryce has been able to do, but the fact that like, it just looked so easy for them. They were flying up and down the field. Bryce had two rushing touchdowns work he essentially just like walked in like you know, a couple of those other touchdowns are were just like wide open, guys.

Yeah he Bryce Young ended the day twenty five of thirty four for two hundred and fifty one yards through the air, five total touchdowns, three passing, two rushing, and even without Hubbard on the field because he's now on ir the Panthers still average five point two yards per carry and scored three touchdowns on the ground. They were having significant offensive output that I even tweeted it did this performance by this defense did not feel indicative of everything that they have done since.

Yeah he Bryce Young ended the day twenty five of thirty four for two hundred and fifty one yards through the air, five total touchdowns, three passing, two rushing, and even without Hubbard on the field because he's now on ir the Panthers still average five point two yards per carry and scored three touchdowns on the ground. They were having significant offensive output that I even tweeted it did this performance by this defense did not feel indicative of everything that they have done since.

The bye week.

The bye week.

It felt like a regression back to what they were before the bye week and that was I think really disappointing. And I use that word disappointing not as Tory mclaney saying that, but as Raheem Morris. It's the first thing that he said when he came in postgame is like, this was an incredibly disappointing performance from this defense. He even said it was a quote huge step back by this defense. Tarn what are your thoughts about what was going wrong with the defense today?

It felt like a regression back to what they were before the bye week and that was I think really disappointing. And I use that word disappointing not as Tory mclaney saying that, but as Raheem Morris. It's the first thing that he said when he came in postgame is like, this was an incredibly disappointing performance from this defense. He even said it was a quote huge step back by this defense. Tarn what are your thoughts about what was going wrong with the defense today?

Right?

Right?

I mean, that's what I wrote about, was how the defense took a quote huge step backward because Bryce Young had himself a day. They could not contain him, whether through the air or on the ground, and he wasn't intercepted once nor sacked once. And that is only the second time this season the Falcons haven't been able to do either in a single game. And this is coming after weeks of us being like the pass Russ has turned the corner like they are leading the NFL since the bye week and Sacks, I was blanking on the word. But it's just a complete different performance day. And I can't even say it's like a week one or week two performance out of the defense because the first half of the season pre by I want to say it was kind of applauding this secondary specifically, and you didn't see that today.

I mean, that's what I wrote about, was how the defense took a quote huge step backward because Bryce Young had himself a day. They could not contain him, whether through the air or on the ground, and he wasn't intercepted once nor sacked once. And that is only the second time this season the Falcons haven't been able to do either in a single game. And this is coming after weeks of us being like the pass Russ has turned the corner like they are leading the NFL since the bye week and Sacks, I was blanking on the word. But it's just a complete different performance day. And I can't even say it's like a week one or week two performance out of the defense because the first half of the season pre by I want to say it was kind of applauding this secondary specifically, and you didn't see that today.

Those passes were just being caught.

Those passes were just being caught.

It wasn't like it was a jump ball and you're grabbing it over a defender and being an immaculate whoa moment it was So and So is wide open, catches it and runs the remaining five yards into the end zone.

It wasn't like it was a jump ball and you're grabbing it over a defender and being an immaculate whoa moment it was So and So is wide open, catches it and runs the remaining five yards into the end zone.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Raheem Morris was asked after the game, you know, was this performance by this defense a little bit shocking?

Raheem Morris was asked after the game, you know, was this performance by this defense a little bit shocking?

And he said yes.

And he said yes.

I thought he was very transparent in that, Yes, this is not the defense that I think anyone had come to know Atlanta to be playing, especially of late.

I thought he was very transparent in that, Yes, this is not the defense that I think anyone had come to know Atlanta to be playing, especially of late.

Yeah, and the question was very specific in that, with all the implications on the line in this game, where you shocked that they came out the way that they did And he said, yeah, really shocked.

Yeah, and the question was very specific in that, with all the implications on the line in this game, where you shocked that they came out the way that they did And he said, yeah, really shocked.

Yeah, you have the full quote here if you want it, go ahead.

Yeah, you have the full quote here if you want it, go ahead.

Really shocked.

Really shocked.

I was really disappointed in our defense today, especially based off of how they've been playing and how we've been going, how we've been attacking the quarterback, how we've been able to manipulate in terms of getting after people. I was really fired up with where we were going the direction we were going. We took a step back today, a huge step back.

I was really disappointed in our defense today, especially based off of how they've been playing and how we've been going, how we've been attacking the quarterback, how we've been able to manipulate in terms of getting after people. I was really fired up with where we were going the direction we were going. We took a step back today, a huge step back.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I mean again, to his point, it's just disappointing the fact that you felt like the Falcons had made such significant progress as a defense. You felt like what they were doing with Caden Ellis and the looks that they were getting with him, the pressure that they were getting up front. What aj Terrell Jesse Bates had been doing over the course of not just the last few weeks, but over the course of the season was pretty impressive. Heck, when we were on our podcast on Friday, I was standing on the table for some of these guys and then to see what happened against a Panther's team that, let's be honest, through various points in this season, had really really struggled to move the ball offensively, and it just felt like they were just kind of slicing through butter with a steak knife today.

I mean again, to his point, it's just disappointing the fact that you felt like the Falcons had made such significant progress as a defense. You felt like what they were doing with Caden Ellis and the looks that they were getting with him, the pressure that they were getting up front. What aj Terrell Jesse Bates had been doing over the course of not just the last few weeks, but over the course of the season was pretty impressive. Heck, when we were on our podcast on Friday, I was standing on the table for some of these guys and then to see what happened against a Panther's team that, let's be honest, through various points in this season, had really really struggled to move the ball offensively, and it just felt like they were just kind of slicing through butter with a steak knife today.

Yeah, I think Justin Simmons kind of summed it up where he said, we never played our best ball when we needed to throughout the entire season. That's a microcosm of not even just a defense, but the entire team.

Yeah, I think Justin Simmons kind of summed it up where he said, we never played our best ball when we needed to throughout the entire season. That's a microcosm of not even just a defense, but the entire team.

Absolutely, and I think that that's something that we can kind of move forward a little bit to talk about the Atlanta offense because despite the fact that Atlanta lost game, I do have some stats that I want to read through because it's kind of a little bit crazy. The Falcons out gained the Panthers five hundred and thirty seven total yards to four hundred and twenty five. Bjon Robinson had one hundred and seventy rushing yards with a six point one yards per carry average two touchdowns. Drake London had one hundred and eighty seven receiving yards on ten catches two touchdowns. Michael Pennings Junior was twenty one of thirty eight for three hundred and twelve passing yards, two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and the Falcons still lost the game despite that much offensive output.

Absolutely, and I think that that's something that we can kind of move forward a little bit to talk about the Atlanta offense because despite the fact that Atlanta lost game, I do have some stats that I want to read through because it's kind of a little bit crazy. The Falcons out gained the Panthers five hundred and thirty seven total yards to four hundred and twenty five. Bjon Robinson had one hundred and seventy rushing yards with a six point one yards per carry average two touchdowns. Drake London had one hundred and eighty seven receiving yards on ten catches two touchdowns. Michael Pennings Junior was twenty one of thirty eight for three hundred and twelve passing yards, two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and the Falcons still lost the game despite that much offensive output.

Yikes.

Yikes.

When y'all are kind of looking at this offense and what it was able to do today, I think Raheem Morris did say say very pointedly that the Falcons if there's something, if there's a silver lining that no one wants to hear about, but if there was one, it's the fact that what Michael PENNOCKX Junior was able to do and the connection that he had with Drake London. What Bajon Robinson was able to do running the ball with Teller Algie was able to do running the bond, that is a little bit of a silver lining there. So Tarren, I'll start with you what part of the offensive performance is best suited to carry over into twenty twenty five and even beyond. As you're as you're like kind of looking at this offense.

When y'all are kind of looking at this offense and what it was able to do today, I think Raheem Morris did say say very pointedly that the Falcons if there's something, if there's a silver lining that no one wants to hear about, but if there was one, it's the fact that what Michael PENNOCKX Junior was able to do and the connection that he had with Drake London. What Bajon Robinson was able to do running the ball with Teller Algie was able to do running the bond, that is a little bit of a silver lining there. So Tarren, I'll start with you what part of the offensive performance is best suited to carry over into twenty twenty five and even beyond. As you're as you're like kind of looking at this offense.

It's simple because it comes down to Michael Pennock Junior. I think what was really telling in Raheem Morris's postgame press conference is one moment he would express his disappointment and defense, the next he would express his hope in the offense in Michael Pennock Junior. Because in these three games you did see a turnaround in the offense and what they're able to do. And you have to keep in mind Pennix was just thrown into this in week eighteen minus three fifteen because he only had these three games. Imagine the bond he can build with an off season under his belt with the first team. Imagine the bond he can build with more than three starts with the first team. And that is something even London the postgame locker room afterward was asked like how difficult was it because you didn't have that much time with him? Like how difficult is it to form that bond quarterback to receiver when you don't have that much time? And he admitted that it is difficult, and you can't argue that at all, Like there was they didn't have much time together whatsoever, and yet here they are still making these plays that you're like, Okay, I see you, Michael, I see you. And I think of the almost touchdown pass to Drake London. I can't remember what quarter it was because all the quarters blur together between the game in Tampa Bay and the game here in Atlanta, so many quarters, but Michael threw it to Drake in the end zone. Drake only got one foot down, so it was incomplete. The very next jet not day play, Oh my gosh, very next play, he throws the exact same ball, but it's inbounds and Drake falls clearly inbounds with it, and it's a touchdown. It's just like a tweak right there in the moment, and you see growth, you see the success, you see how he's able to right the wrongs and I think that's the thing Falcons fans and Falcons franchise internally can.

It's simple because it comes down to Michael Pennock Junior. I think what was really telling in Raheem Morris's postgame press conference is one moment he would express his disappointment and defense, the next he would express his hope in the offense in Michael Pennock Junior. Because in these three games you did see a turnaround in the offense and what they're able to do. And you have to keep in mind Pennix was just thrown into this in week eighteen minus three fifteen because he only had these three games. Imagine the bond he can build with an off season under his belt with the first team. Imagine the bond he can build with more than three starts with the first team. And that is something even London the postgame locker room afterward was asked like how difficult was it because you didn't have that much time with him? Like how difficult is it to form that bond quarterback to receiver when you don't have that much time? And he admitted that it is difficult, and you can't argue that at all, Like there was they didn't have much time together whatsoever, and yet here they are still making these plays that you're like, Okay, I see you, Michael, I see you. And I think of the almost touchdown pass to Drake London. I can't remember what quarter it was because all the quarters blur together between the game in Tampa Bay and the game here in Atlanta, so many quarters, but Michael threw it to Drake in the end zone. Drake only got one foot down, so it was incomplete. The very next jet not day play, Oh my gosh, very next play, he throws the exact same ball, but it's inbounds and Drake falls clearly inbounds with it, and it's a touchdown. It's just like a tweak right there in the moment, and you see growth, you see the success, you see how he's able to right the wrongs and I think that's the thing Falcons fans and Falcons franchise internally can.

Look forward to. Yeah, which thinks to already be like, all right, next season, I.

Look forward to. Yeah, which thinks to already be like, all right, next season, I.

Know, but it's the reality of the situation in twenty twenty four is over right.

Know, but it's the reality of the situation in twenty twenty four is over right.

Literally, I'm figuratively.

Literally, I'm figuratively.

Literally, it's done.

Literally, it's done.

We're sitting here kind of post mortaring, mortom ing.

We're sitting here kind of post mortaring, mortom ing.

I don't even think that's I don't think that's a word, but y'all get it.

I don't even think that's I don't think that's a word, but y'all get it.

Today's episode of Falcons Final Whistle is brought to you by Zaxby's. And after a long game, when I'm tired and I need to refuel, I turned to zax Pies their marinated, handbreaded fried to perfection chicken fingers. They get the spot every time. Get yours with seasoned crinkle fries, a nice drink in whichever of their twelve signature sauces you're feeling at the moment, but it always hits just right. So next time you need to refuel, go get yourself some Zaxby's.

Today's episode of Falcons Final Whistle is brought to you by Zaxby's. And after a long game, when I'm tired and I need to refuel, I turned to zax Pies their marinated, handbreaded fried to perfection chicken fingers. They get the spot every time. Get yours with seasoned crinkle fries, a nice drink in whichever of their twelve signature sauces you're feeling at the moment, but it always hits just right. So next time you need to refuel, go get yourself some Zaxby's.

It's not what it's really interesting is talking to Michael Pennock's post game about the connection that he has already developed with Drake London and tearing to your point.

It's not what it's really interesting is talking to Michael Pennock's post game about the connection that he has already developed with Drake London and tearing to your point.

He kind of made this comment where he was like, I'm.

He kind of made this comment where he was like, I'm.

Excited about the off season to kind of go into it knowing exactly who you have, knowing exactly what you need to do to get better, and having the time and resources to do so. And that was something that he seemed really excited. I kept kind of reiterating to the fan base mainly to continue to believe in what this offense can do and what they can be, and we've seen glimpses of it.

Excited about the off season to kind of go into it knowing exactly who you have, knowing exactly what you need to do to get better, and having the time and resources to do so. And that was something that he seemed really excited. I kept kind of reiterating to the fan base mainly to continue to believe in what this offense can do and what they can be, and we've seen glimpses of it.

And what I'll say too, is the.

And what I'll say too, is the.

Connection between Michael Pennock's junior and Drake London, I think is something of beauty, and it is a thing of beauty, and I think the fact that they have this trust established so quickly bodes well for the future. But there are still certain areas in which Michael Panics, I do think can grow. He is still a ricky quarterback that has had three starts. Even though this guy is not afraid to sling the.

Connection between Michael Pennock's junior and Drake London, I think is something of beauty, and it is a thing of beauty, and I think the fact that they have this trust established so quickly bodes well for the future. But there are still certain areas in which Michael Panics, I do think can grow. He is still a ricky quarterback that has had three starts. Even though this guy is not afraid to sling the.

Dang ball he is.

Dang ball he is.

It's so funny because I oftentimes think that he doesn't know his own strength and that he just is throwing the ball.

It's so funny because I oftentimes think that he doesn't know his own strength and that he just is throwing the ball.

And sometimes I'm like, I want you to have.

And sometimes I'm like, I want you to have.

A little bit of touch, get take a little bit off of it so that it's not just smacking the guy, your guys in their face.

A little bit of touch, get take a little bit off of it so that it's not just smacking the guy, your guys in their face.

But yeah, even in.

But yeah, even in.

That, it's like you see, I said this on the podcast the other day, but like you see the vision, you see the control. Did it start off fast for him? No, he had a few very significant misthrows and overshots early in the game, but he's the type of player that you saw once he settled in what he could do, and by the end of the game, this is a guy who you try to lead the team within a two minute and hit Drake London for a twenty nine yard game.

That, it's like you see, I said this on the podcast the other day, but like you see the vision, you see the control. Did it start off fast for him? No, he had a few very significant misthrows and overshots early in the game, but he's the type of player that you saw once he settled in what he could do, and by the end of the game, this is a guy who you try to lead the team within a two minute and hit Drake London for a twenty nine yard game.

Yeah, I mean every time Carolina scored it was like, oh yeah, Mike can come back and do this thing. He just felt that confidence, Yeah, because he could slee it so far down the field and those explosives lit this place on fire when it was you know, honestly, it was a little quiet when it started.

Yeah, I mean every time Carolina scored it was like, oh yeah, Mike can come back and do this thing. He just felt that confidence, Yeah, because he could slee it so far down the field and those explosives lit this place on fire when it was you know, honestly, it was a little quiet when it started.

No, for sure it was. And I I can't remember exactly what play it was. It had to have been one of the ones to Drake.

No, for sure it was. And I I can't remember exactly what play it was. It had to have been one of the ones to Drake.

But I was going to say the thing that turned the vibe around was Pennix's nine yard touchdown.

But I was going to say the thing that turned the vibe around was Pennix's nine yard touchdown.

Oh yeah, when he.

Oh yeah, when he.

Stretched out You're right, You're exactly right. That was the plan. He did it himself.

Stretched out You're right, You're exactly right. That was the plan. He did it himself.

Yeah, and it was funny because I think he really didn't want to. In the moment, you could see him kind of motioning to Drake to like peel back towards the back of the end zone so he could kind of lob it up to him, and Drake's just kind of like, I can't, Nope, can't do that. And I was just very very I've just been very impressed with Michael Penning's junior and I do agree, even though again no one may want to hear it, but I do agree with what Rahem Morris said that you feel good about where he is in his development and who he can be for you in the future.

Yeah, and it was funny because I think he really didn't want to. In the moment, you could see him kind of motioning to Drake to like peel back towards the back of the end zone so he could kind of lob it up to him, and Drake's just kind of like, I can't, Nope, can't do that. And I was just very very I've just been very impressed with Michael Penning's junior and I do agree, even though again no one may want to hear it, but I do agree with what Rahem Morris said that you feel good about where he is in his development and who he can be for you in the future.

But even in saying that, that doesn't take away.

But even in saying that, that doesn't take away.

The fact that the Falcons did not live up to expectations in the Year of Our Lord twenty twenty four. So I wrote about this post game, and it's the way that I've been feeling now for probably a few weeks, even probably a month, is that the Falcons and the perception of which they had for themselves, the expectations that they even set themselves for themselves does not meet the reality of who this team is right now. And that's a tough pill to swallow when in an off season that you changed your entire coaching staff.

The fact that the Falcons did not live up to expectations in the Year of Our Lord twenty twenty four. So I wrote about this post game, and it's the way that I've been feeling now for probably a few weeks, even probably a month, is that the Falcons and the perception of which they had for themselves, the expectations that they even set themselves for themselves does not meet the reality of who this team is right now. And that's a tough pill to swallow when in an off season that you changed your entire coaching staff.

You have all new coaches in here.

You have all new coaches in here.

You went out and you signed a starting quarterback to a ninety million dollar, fully guaranteed contract, You drafted a future starting quarterback, You traded for an all pro edge rusher, you got Justin Simmons in All Pro safety to sign here during training camp.

You went out and you signed a starting quarterback to a ninety million dollar, fully guaranteed contract, You drafted a future starting quarterback, You traded for an all pro edge rusher, you got Justin Simmons in All Pro safety to sign here during training camp.

All of these things, and all of.

All of these things, and all of.

The way that things were shaking out in the NFC South, where you felt like the Falcons had the best roster in the NFC South, and the fact that it started at six and three with a four and zero record in conference play and ended this way where the Falcons lost six of their last eight games and are sitting at second overall in the NFC South, coming off of a loss against Carolina like that. That leaves a really bad taste in your mouth because of how much you invested into this twenty twenty fourteen, how much had been built into this twenty twenty fourteen. This is a team that was, I'll say it, years in the making for this organization and That's what makes it so difficult to sit here right now and talk about just this game and what it was, because to me, it's not just this game. To me, it's the years of from twenty twenty one and you make the decision that you're no longer gonna stick with Matt Ryan and you send him to Indianapolis, and you're trying to fight your way out of salary cap hill and you get out of it, and then you build it and you sign guys, and you create this roster, and you go out and free agency and you do all these things and you draft all these guys and then for it to amount to one more win than what you've had the last three seasons, that is it's sickening.

The way that things were shaking out in the NFC South, where you felt like the Falcons had the best roster in the NFC South, and the fact that it started at six and three with a four and zero record in conference play and ended this way where the Falcons lost six of their last eight games and are sitting at second overall in the NFC South, coming off of a loss against Carolina like that. That leaves a really bad taste in your mouth because of how much you invested into this twenty twenty fourteen, how much had been built into this twenty twenty fourteen. This is a team that was, I'll say it, years in the making for this organization and That's what makes it so difficult to sit here right now and talk about just this game and what it was, because to me, it's not just this game. To me, it's the years of from twenty twenty one and you make the decision that you're no longer gonna stick with Matt Ryan and you send him to Indianapolis, and you're trying to fight your way out of salary cap hill and you get out of it, and then you build it and you sign guys, and you create this roster, and you go out and free agency and you do all these things and you draft all these guys and then for it to amount to one more win than what you've had the last three seasons, that is it's sickening.

It's really really it makes you sick because of how much went into all of that.

It's really really it makes you sick because of how much went into all of that.

When you think of the six and three to start and then the two and six to finish, and then I think back to when that schedule came out and we did our schedule release, podcasters like, oh, the first half of this season is super difficult. Yeah, and alas they did better in the first half than they did the second.

When you think of the six and three to start and then the two and six to finish, and then I think back to when that schedule came out and we did our schedule release, podcasters like, oh, the first half of this season is super difficult. Yeah, and alas they did better in the first half than they did the second.

No, that's such a good point because I remember us sitting and talking and being like Mike, Holy, holy cow, you face you know, Tampa Bay on the road, you face the Saints, and then to start the season you had the Steelers at home and Eagle Jeeves like you're talking about like super Bowl contenders that are playing in and.

No, that's such a good point because I remember us sitting and talking and being like Mike, Holy, holy cow, you face you know, Tampa Bay on the road, you face the Saints, and then to start the season you had the Steelers at home and Eagle Jeeves like you're talking about like super Bowl contenders that are playing in and.

I went in six and three.

I went in six and three.

Yeah, It's it's crazy.

Yeah, It's it's crazy.

It's two and six to finish, right.

It's two and six to finish, right.

It's it's such a tough pill to swallow.

It's it's such a tough pill to swallow.

And that's what makes it so difficult even to think about twenty twenty five and what next year could look like because I don't really know exactly where the team goes from here. They have a lot of decisions to make, notwithstanding what they're going to do with the quarterback position, with the contract that they have kind of looming over their heads, a lot of one year deals, a lot of guys who could come back who could not come back, a lot of expiring deals. It's another draft. I mean, it all resets, it all starts over. But it's just it's one of those things that it's like, Oh, you didn't want to feel that you needed to reset things after this year, considering all the work that you put in. But as we kind of move forward and look ahead to twenty twenty five. I'll start with you, what are the key priorities for Atlanta entering into the off season.

And that's what makes it so difficult even to think about twenty twenty five and what next year could look like because I don't really know exactly where the team goes from here. They have a lot of decisions to make, notwithstanding what they're going to do with the quarterback position, with the contract that they have kind of looming over their heads, a lot of one year deals, a lot of guys who could come back who could not come back, a lot of expiring deals. It's another draft. I mean, it all resets, it all starts over. But it's just it's one of those things that it's like, Oh, you didn't want to feel that you needed to reset things after this year, considering all the work that you put in. But as we kind of move forward and look ahead to twenty twenty five. I'll start with you, what are the key priorities for Atlanta entering into the off season.

If you had to pick just one, if I had to pick just one, to not to be prisoner at the moment, be like this defensive performance now means that you have to go in and reshape your defense. But there's a lot of guys who are coming off those one year deals and a lot of decisions they'll have to make on defense. So I think that's where you kind of look because of the way that they've invested on offense, especially in the draft in the last few years.

If you had to pick just one, if I had to pick just one, to not to be prisoner at the moment, be like this defensive performance now means that you have to go in and reshape your defense. But there's a lot of guys who are coming off those one year deals and a lot of decisions they'll have to make on defense. So I think that's where you kind of look because of the way that they've invested on offense, especially in the draft in the last few years.

Like they're good, we.

Like they're good, we.

See it, we see the issue vision, we see the last you know, three number eight overall picks.

See it, we see the issue vision, we see the last you know, three number eight overall picks.

They look looking good, looking good, they're clicking so far.

They look looking good, looking good, they're clicking so far.

You know, things are still going to shake out in the way that they do as games finish up here. But you're looking at you know, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen in the draft if you can find you know, we say it every year, right like one of those edge guys or like you're getting back Braylan Trice, like you you need to reinvest again on your defense. Yes, just as much as you've done your offense. Yes, No, that's such a good point.

You know, things are still going to shake out in the way that they do as games finish up here. But you're looking at you know, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen in the draft if you can find you know, we say it every year, right like one of those edge guys or like you're getting back Braylan Trice, like you you need to reinvest again on your defense. Yes, just as much as you've done your offense. Yes, No, that's such a good point.

I know I'm sitting here, We're sitting here not really exactly knowing where the Falcons are gonna end up. But it's gonna probably be right in the middle of the first round, is kind of what it's shaking out to look like.

I know I'm sitting here, We're sitting here not really exactly knowing where the Falcons are gonna end up. But it's gonna probably be right in the middle of the first round, is kind of what it's shaking out to look like.

Which I keeps going back and forth them like it's.

Which I keeps going back and forth them like it's.

Prime real estate to go get a corner, prime real estate, to go get an edge rusher. I know I've said every single year for the last four years that the Falcons need to draft an edge rusher.

Prime real estate to go get a corner, prime real estate, to go get an edge rusher. I know I've said every single year for the last four years that the Falcons need to draft an edge rusher.

Well, yeah, and I think that their mentalities has always been, you know, take the best guy available, and that was always you know, an offensive guy. But you're gonna be sitting there down in the middle. A lot of those guys who are like generational players are gone.

Well, yeah, and I think that their mentalities has always been, you know, take the best guy available, and that was always you know, an offensive guy. But you're gonna be sitting there down in the middle. A lot of those guys who are like generational players are gone.

They're gone, They're gone.

They're gone, They're gone.

Yep, there's no Bujon Robinson at number sixteen. Just I'm throwing it out there, probably not gonna happen.

Yep, there's no Bujon Robinson at number sixteen. Just I'm throwing it out there, probably not gonna happen.

You find your key rotation, your your role players in those those spaces.

You find your key rotation, your your role players in those those spaces.

Yeah, Karen, what's the key priority for Atlanta entering the off season in twenty twenty five.

Yeah, Karen, what's the key priority for Atlanta entering the off season in twenty twenty five.

I want to know they're going to do with Kirk Cousins contract.

I want to know they're going to do with Kirk Cousins contract.

Yes, it's a lot of money.

Yes, it's a lot of money.

There's a lot of money.

There's a lot of money.

Yeah, And like and then if he isn't in Atlanta next season, who's the backup?

Yeah, And like and then if he isn't in Atlanta next season, who's the backup?

Mm hmm?

Mm hmm?

And how what are the repercussions of having to pay that contract out? And and how does that pigeonhold the moves that you could potentially make to bring in more guys. One you got to think about it this way too, Like there are some offensive line questions. You have a kicker because some of those guys are on expiring deals.

And how what are the repercussions of having to pay that contract out? And and how does that pigeonhold the moves that you could potentially make to bring in more guys. One you got to think about it this way too, Like there are some offensive line questions. You have a kicker because some of those guys are on expiring deals.

You have a kicker question.

You have a kicker question.

Like how bad is ye Kuh's injury?

Like how bad is ye Kuh's injury?

Right?

Right?

Also like how quickly can he get back to his old ways because you have to think about the fact that he was not as consistent as he has been in years past.

Also like how quickly can he get back to his old ways because you have to think about the fact that he was not as consistent as he has been in years past.

That has to be a conversation.

That has to be a conversation.

And then defensively, I believe Justin Simmons is on a one year deal. Mike cues Is, I think this is his last year. I think Cayden Ellis this is his last year. David on Yamata, I believe this is his last year. I even if it's not their last year's, I think they're nearing the end of their deals, So what does that look like? How much money are you actually going to have to play with? And you won't know that answer until you make a decision.

And then defensively, I believe Justin Simmons is on a one year deal. Mike cues Is, I think this is his last year. I think Cayden Ellis this is his last year. David on Yamata, I believe this is his last year. I even if it's not their last year's, I think they're nearing the end of their deals, So what does that look like? How much money are you actually going to have to play with? And you won't know that answer until you make a decision.

On what you're going to do with Kirk Cousins.

On what you're going to do with Kirk Cousins.

Absolutely, okay for.

Absolutely, okay for.

Those worried, Katie Ellis and David on Yamata will both be back next season. If they're the contracts are still live, so it's.

Those worried, Katie Ellis and David on Yamata will both be back next season. If they're the contracts are still live, so it's.

Still who knows.

Still who knows.

But if you need, they have another year, right at least on both contracts.

But if you need, they have another year, right at least on both contracts.

Yeah, but then it's kind of like, at what point, but when.

Yeah, but then it's kind of like, at what point, but when.

Do you need to keep them?

Do you need to keep them?

Yeah? Do you need?

Yeah? Do you need?

How much cap savings can you have? Like if you again, you won't know until you know what's going to happen with Kirk's contract.

How much cap savings can you have? Like if you again, you won't know until you know what's going to happen with Kirk's contract.

This is the exact same thing I said last season. The quarterback is the first domino to fall.

This is the exact same thing I said last season. The quarterback is the first domino to fall.

It's it's everything we've said since he traded Matt to Indianapolis.

It's it's everything we've said since he traded Matt to Indianapolis.

Like, you're still paying for your quarterback position.

Like, you're still paying for your quarterback position.

And that was not the position that the twenty twenty four Falcons needed to be and it's not the position that.

And that was not the position that the twenty twenty four Falcons needed to be and it's not the position that.

They saw for themselves.

They saw for themselves.

Like the fact that we're having a quarterback conversation now for the one, two, three, four, almost fifth year in a row is a little headache inducing, and that's why I feel like with the fan base, I understand the frustrations because it's kind of just what is it like, same same thing, different year, just wrapped in a different package. And that's kind of where this kind of ship has sailed.

Like the fact that we're having a quarterback conversation now for the one, two, three, four, almost fifth year in a row is a little headache inducing, and that's why I feel like with the fan base, I understand the frustrations because it's kind of just what is it like, same same thing, different year, just wrapped in a different package. And that's kind of where this kind of ship has sailed.

For lack of a better metaphore, that's.

For lack of a better metaphore, that's.

My biggest question, Marcus, what's going to happen with Kirk Cousins.

My biggest question, Marcus, what's going to happen with Kirk Cousins.

Yeah, I hate the term double playing, double advocate, and I hate to play it, but I actually will in this moment because as much as like this is like same cycles repeating, I think for the first time, and I'll just quote Raheem Morris, you see a light at the end of the tunnel with Pennix, and they seem you know, obviously a lot can happen, but I think when you're looking at what he's been able to do in just three games, it by far feels different than these other moments.

Yeah, I hate the term double playing, double advocate, and I hate to play it, but I actually will in this moment because as much as like this is like same cycles repeating, I think for the first time, and I'll just quote Raheem Morris, you see a light at the end of the tunnel with Pennix, and they seem you know, obviously a lot can happen, but I think when you're looking at what he's been able to do in just three games, it by far feels different than these other moments.

I don't know. Maybe maybe that's just my perspective.

I don't know. Maybe maybe that's just my perspective.

But no, I think that's fair because you think about where this team was at the end of when it was like Marcus, Mario de de.

But no, I think that's fair because you think about where this team was at the end of when it was like Marcus, Mario de de.

Des matter kind of what I'm comparing him, and.

Des matter kind of what I'm comparing him, and.

Then from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heineke to whatever came next, which ended up being Kirk Cousins, Like, I get what you're saying. You feel confident in what the Falcons have at the quarterback position with Michael Pennix more than you have previously in the years that have kind of bridged the gap between Matt Ryan and where we are now.

Then from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heineke to whatever came next, which ended up being Kirk Cousins, Like, I get what you're saying. You feel confident in what the Falcons have at the quarterback position with Michael Pennix more than you have previously in the years that have kind of bridged the gap between Matt Ryan and where we are now.

Yeah, the conversations right now with Michael Pennock Junior are a lot different after three games than they were with Desmond Ritterer after three games.

Yeah, the conversations right now with Michael Pennock Junior are a lot different after three games than they were with Desmond Ritterer after three games.

Yeah, and especially after different rounds of drafts too. Yeah. Sure, yeah, Apple's orange is. But exactly, I don't know. It's just really tough. And on to thank you for bringing up the light at the end of the tunnel.

Yeah, and especially after different rounds of drafts too. Yeah. Sure, yeah, Apple's orange is. But exactly, I don't know. It's just really tough. And on to thank you for bringing up the light at the end of the tunnel.

That's not Devil's Advocate.

That's not Devil's Advocate.

That was that was that was very nice.

That was that was that was very nice.

That was the opposite of Devil's advocate.

That was the opposite of Devil's advocate.

And you left us.

And you left us.

Yeah, you left us, you know, on an relatively okay note. I'm gonna say relatively okay because I don't have anything else to say.

Yeah, you left us, you know, on an relatively okay note. I'm gonna say relatively okay because I don't have anything else to say.

Good.

Good.

So my mom always told me, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. So we've been talking for like twenty five minutes. So I'm going to shut up now and allow everybody to get on.

So my mom always told me, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. So we've been talking for like twenty five minutes. So I'm going to shut up now and allow everybody to get on.

With their day.

With their day.

But I really, really, really want to thank everybody for listening and following along with us all season long. It's been can't say it was boring. Can't say it was boring, it was. It was anything but boring. We always had something to talk about, whether it was the last time we put on these headsets in the first like month of twenty twenty four when we were coming back from New Orleans and there was a coaching change and everything that's happened. Sense, Thank you guys for sticking with us. Our first annual Final Whistles coming on Friday. They are the twenty twenty four awards that we will be giving out, not all of them positive, yes, yeah, so yeah, Will did say not all positive.

But I really, really, really want to thank everybody for listening and following along with us all season long. It's been can't say it was boring. Can't say it was boring, it was. It was anything but boring. We always had something to talk about, whether it was the last time we put on these headsets in the first like month of twenty twenty four when we were coming back from New Orleans and there was a coaching change and everything that's happened. Sense, Thank you guys for sticking with us. Our first annual Final Whistles coming on Friday. They are the twenty twenty four awards that we will be giving out, not all of them positive, yes, yeah, so yeah, Will did say not all positive.

So it's not just gonna be like keep it real.

So it's not just gonna be like keep it real.

Yeah, the final whistles exactly, the final whistles.

Yeah, the final whistles exactly, the final whistles.

Think of them as the what's on the office, the dundees, Yeah, the dundee the dundees. These are the final whistles, and you know, so make sure you listen out for that, but please rate, review, like, and subscribe. Follow us on the Atlanta Falcons Podcast Network wherever you get your podcast.

Think of them as the what's on the office, the dundees, Yeah, the dundee the dundees. These are the final whistles, and you know, so make sure you listen out for that, but please rate, review, like, and subscribe. Follow us on the Atlanta Falcons Podcast Network wherever you get your podcast.

For Taran and Amna, I'm Tori and we will see you guys real soon

For Taran and Amna, I'm Tori and we will see you guys real soon