The Morning Shift had an in-depth conversation about why just a postseason appearance would make the Falcons 2024 season a success. The reasoning behind limited expectations for Atlanta is because the team hasn't been to the postseason since 2017.
Now, if the Falcons finish with a 7-10 or 8-9 record and back their way into the playoffs because the NFC South ends up being weak, then it’s a different story. But if the Falcons end up with double-digit wins, make it to the postseason, lose in the Wildcard round (or Divisional round if they earn a bye), and don’t end up winning a playoff game, the season shouldn’t be labeled as a failure because creating a winning culture in Atlanta again is a big deal.
“I think you go from three straight 7-10s and what six straight losing seasons and you win the division," Beau Morgan began. "In what world is it not viewed successful?”
Mike Johnson pointed out that the Falcons really only do have two guaranteed years with Kirk Cousins, so while a playoff appearance with no playoff wins next season shouldn’t be considered a failure, Cousins and the Falcons do need to win some playoff games while their $100 million quarterback is in an Atlanta Falcons uniform to justify giving Cousins that big contract.
Focusing specifically on next season though, making the playoffs and getting the young guys like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary, Matthew Bergeron, and even AJ Terrell some playoff experience would be a big first step to reaching the ultimate goal.
