Atlanta Falcons in Turmoil as Losing Streak Fuels Speculation of Major Changes
The Atlanta Falcons are currently enduring a tumultuous five-game losing streak that has raised alarms within the organization. NFL insider Ari Meirov has labeled the Falcons as the “No. 1 hot-spot in the NFL” concerning potential firings, a stark reflection of the team’s disappointing trajectory this season.
Challenges Piling Up
With a current record of 3-7, the Falcons face an uphill battle if they hope to secure their first winning season since 2017. The path ahead is daunting; the team must win six out of their remaining seven games. As Week 12 unfolds, it’s evident that expectations set for the Falcons at the season’s start have not been met, leaving both ownership and fans dismayed.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Head coach Raheem Morris finds himself in the crosshairs as his tenure has produced an 11-16 record, including a disheartening 5-13 over the last 18 games. The pressure is mounting, and insiders suggest that Morris may not be the only one whose job is in jeopardy. General manager Terry Fontenot, who has made bold yet ultimately unsuccessful moves, could also face the consequences of the team’s disarray.
Meirov highlighted Fontenot’s decision to acquire James Pearce Jr. during last spring’s NFL Draft, which has since morphed into a top-10 pick for the 2026 draft. “The way they handled this rebuild and roster and putting it all together,” Meirov remarked, “if you’re not going to be winning, it’s a reckless way to do it, and it eventually comes back to bite you.”
A Fractured Quarterback Strategy
Since Fontenot’s arrival as general manager in 2021, the franchise has struggled with roster depth and consistency, particularly at the quarterback position. Each season has seen a different starter in Week 1. The team’s aggressive pursuit of Deshaun Watson in 2022 ended with the signing of Marcus Mariota, followed by Desmond Ridder, who has now exited the league. Most recently, Fontenot secured Kirk Cousins, offering a hefty four-year, $180 million contract following an Achilles injury, only to make the controversial selection of Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the latest draft.
These decisions have not yielded the desired results, leading to a 32-46 record since Fontenot took the reins. “When this is the result you’re getting, when you’re going to have a top-10 pick—and that pick does not belong to you—there’s going to be blame somewhere,” Meirov asserted.
Potential Shakeups Looming
Rich McKay, a key figure in the Falcons’ front office and described as the “right-hand man” to owner Arthur Blank, may also find himself under scrutiny. His role in endorsing Morris over other successful coaching candidates could come back to haunt him as the organization evaluates its future.
“I think the ownership group is going to have to take a hard look at everybody here,” Meirov noted. “These are guys they decided to keep when they fired Arthur Smith the first time. Terry Fontenot, Rich McKay—they are the ones who convinced ownership to hire Raheem Morris over a list of candidates who have since found success.”
A Critical Turning Point Ahead
Despite the upheaval, there remains a glimmer of hope for the Falcons. With the recent injury to Penix, Cousins is set to step in as the starting quarterback for the upcoming games. A turnaround could reignite the season and buy some time for the current leadership.
The Falcons’ next challenge comes against the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, a crucial matchup that could either help stabilize the organization or signal the beginning of a shakeup if the losing streak persists. As the clock ticks on the season, the pressure is mounting, and significant changes may be on the horizon for the beleaguered franchise.
