NW Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons will take the field for their first training camp practice in just one week, beginning a journey they hope will culminate in a postseason appearance.

Playoff hopefuls understand the importance of developing a strong team identity, often formed around the skills and intangibles of key players. For the Falcons to achieve their playoff aspirations, they must rely on several crucial young members of their roster.

Building a team that sustains excellence requires planning beyond immediate success, balancing short-term goals with long-term priorities. Players who fit both categories are considered cornerstones of an organization.

With training camp approaching, discussions have arisen about which player is most central to Atlanta's vision for both the present and future.

Tori McElhaney emphasized Bijan Robinson's potential heading into his second year in the league. "There's just something about the possibilities someone like Robinson presents," she said. Despite misconceptions about the Falcons' offensive plans to run the ball in 2024, McElhaney highlighted how much the team plans to air it out with Kirk Cousins at quarterback. However, she noted that running backs Robinson and Tyler Allgeier remain vital components of the offense.

"For him [Robinson], he's so talented," said Raheem Morris when asked about fine-tuning Robinson's role in 2024. "You don't want to limit the things that he can do... When you get the ball in his hand, he makes people miss."

Will McFadden pointed to Chris Lindstrom as a foundational piece. "Lindstrom is a world-class run blocker who blends an innate feel for angles with flawless contact balance," McFadden stated. He added that Lindstrom has developed into one of the best interior linemen in five seasons and remains reliable as he enters Year 6.

Terrin Waack argued that Kirk Cousins is central to Atlanta's plans after signing a four-year, $180 million contract. "The Falcons know firsthand how important it is to have consistent play at quarterback — because they've lacked it," Waack explained. She compared Cousins' role to Rudolph leading Santa’s sleigh: "Cousins is Rudolph... He literally lights and leads the way."

Amna Subhan focused on Michael Penix Jr., emphasizing his potential as Atlanta's future starting quarterback despite Cousins being the current starter. "Block by block, Penix is building to one day be the Falcons' starting quarterback," Subhan said. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson praised Penix’s observational skills during rookie minicamp and offseason practices.

"This was a guy that plays very similar to Kirk," quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates noted regarding Penix's seamless transition into Atlanta’s offensive system.

The Falcons’ front office made clear decisions aimed at building both present success and future stability around these key players.