The Atlanta Falcons’ recent win has prompted questions from fans about changes in the team’s offensive strategy, particularly with Kirk Cousins now at quarterback. The shift toward more play-action and under-center formations was evident compared to previous games with Michael Penix Jr.
Head coach Raheem Morris addressed these topics after the game, explaining that adjustments were made to accommodate Cousins as he returned from a torn Achilles injury last season. “He felt a little bit more comfortable in the pistol,” Morris said. Now that Cousins is “back to what he’s been in the past,” the team adapted its offensive style accordingly.
Morris noted that while there may not have been a significant increase in play-action plays, certain explosive plays stood out. He said, “Realistically, I don’t know if it was an uptick in play action. It was probably about the same whether we were in pistol or whether we were up under [center] with the number of play actions. I think we got the big explosive last night that we were able to get out of it that was really turned into it… So, it’s just kind of a matter of what you think you need in order to go out and win that football game.”
Regarding Cousins’ input on game planning, Morris clarified: “We have a system, and the system’s been in place when Kirk was here before. Obviously, he was a starter. He was brought in to do those things, so we kind of know what it looks like, what that whole process looks like, what Kirk likes… but we build a plan like we do every Tuesday… Kirk comes in, he’s able to have a lot of input into it.” Morris added this collaborative approach will continue moving forward.
There is speculation that Penix may not yet be fully comfortable operating under center or using extensive play-action due to his development stage or physical readiness following his own injury.
Another concern among fans involves the team’s ongoing injury issues. Some questioned whether these injuries indicate problems with the strength and conditioning program. However, most injuries suffered by Falcons players this season have been contact-related and are common within NFL games.
Offensive linemen Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron sustained lower leg injuries typical for their position group due to frequent contact at the line of scrimmage. Michael Penix Jr.’s partial ACL tear and Drake London’s PCL sprain also resulted from direct impacts during play.
Soft tissue injuries among rookies are often attributed to overuse as they transition directly from college seasons through training camps without significant breaks. In some cases, freak accidents occur—such as Billy Bowman Jr.’s reported Achilles tear during practice.
Evaluations from player surveys reflect positively on Atlanta’s current strength and conditioning staff compared to previous years. Under Arthur Smith’s regime, Falcons players gave their strength program an F- rating—the lowest possible—citing inadequate individualized plans and describing the environment as toxic. Only 24% felt they received tailored training; players said this detracted from their success.
At the start of 2025 with new staff in place, ratings improved significantly: 95% of players now feel they receive individualized plans (ranking 16th out of 32 teams), while overall contributions by coaches rank fifth league-wide according to player feedback. Players described their experience as “100x better than it was with the prior staff” and praised coaches for doing “an excellent job.”
Most injuries experienced by Atlanta this season do not appear linked to deficiencies within the current strength program; rather, they are viewed as inherent risks associated with professional football.
