GUNN & MANNING: The Atlanta Falcons, from heartbreak to hope

It’s been eight years since the Atlanta Falcons were just a few games away from winning the Lombardi Trophy.

Eight years of heartbreaking losses, roster shuffles and an emotional roller coaster for the Falcons faithful.

It’s the story of their fall from grace, the difficult recovery and the renewed hope that permeates Atlanta as a new era dawns.

The scars of Super Bowl LI (2016) run deep, the historic collapse against the New England Patriots, squandering a 28-3 lead, casting a long shadow.

As we watched the game, our hopes of a Falcons victory slowly faded.

As the connection between Matt Ryan and Julio Jones continued to improve, the offensive juggernaut gradually lost its power.

The Patriots lost a lot of hope as the offense scored four second-half touchdowns to win Super Bowl 51 by just three points.

After losing the Super Bowl, the Falcons lost key personnel, including offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, further delaying progress in their rebuild.

In 2019, the Falcons finished 7-9, far from their hopes of returning to the Super Bowl. The rebuild was much needed.

The arrival of head coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot in 2020 marked the beginning of a new era.

Painful decisions followed, with franchise icons Ryan and Jones leaving the offense.

The 2021 and 2022 seasons were difficult, marked by growing pains and roster changes.

Despite the losses, signs of hope have emerged with tight end Kyle Pitts showing his generational talent, while cornerback AJ Terrell has emerged as a shutdown defender.

The 2023 season marked a turning point. Drafted in 2022, quarterback Desmond Ridder had given the offense the energy it needed.

The addition of running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London brought much-needed efficiency on the offensive end.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen had transformed the unit into a formidable force. The energy surrounding the Falcons had become detectable.

The team played with a renewed sense of purpose and identity. Smith’s leadership, emphasizing accountability and physical football, resonated throughout the locker room.

The Falcons finished the 2023 season with a 7-10 record, while finishing third in the division.

At this point, many fans were waiting for a new coach to bring us back to number 1 and their wish came true.

Heading into the 2024 season, the Falcons look to continue their hopes of another Super Bowl under new head coach Raheem Morris.

As the tide began to turn for the Falcons, they signed Kirk Cousins, Ray-Ray McCloud and Darnell Mooney to their roster.

The team also received some extraordinary draft picks to boost team morale, such as drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Prompting some questions and thoughts, fans are wondering why get another quarterback when you just signed a veteran quarterback?

When we heard about the draft, we thought the same thing, until Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot responded by saying, “Kirk is our quarterback, but adding Michael Penix is ​​thinking about the future.”

As the Falcons prepare to begin next season, the journey from Super Bowl heartbreak to rebuilding begins as the Falcons are finally able to rise once again.

With a young and talented core, a strong coaching staff and a renewed sense of optimism, the future is bright in Atlanta.

The Falcons are ready to soar once again, and we, the fans, eagerly await the next chapter in this remarkable story.

Jaylin Gunn and Jimarrion Manning are summer interns at The Covington News. You can contact them at [email protected].