NFL coaches are starting to fear the Atlanta Falcons because of Matt Ryan’s new role as President of Football. According to Yahoo Sports, rival teams see a dangerous competitor who is all in on making the franchise better. This is not just a front-office title. It is a shift in how the league views Atlanta’s future.
Mike Florio reported on Pro Football Talk Live that other coaches are worried about what Ryan could build. He noted that Ryan is not distracted by TV deals or media work. Ryan is focused only on learning to be the best executive he can be. When a former star goes all in, it scares the people who have to play against him.
Why Full Focus Changes Everything
The fear stems from how much time Ryan gives to the job. Florio compared Ryan’s situation to Tom Brady’s role with the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady has many other things on his daily calendar, including celebrity projects. Ryan does not have those distractions. He is not calling games or hosting pregame shows.
This total attention makes Atlanta a threat. Reports say that when a competitor of this level focuses so hard, it is dangerous for rivals. What Ryan executed on the field, he now attempts to replicate for this squad within the front office. Fans in Atlanta hope this fear is real. If Ryan succeeds, the franchise could finally win its first Super Bowl.
The Numbers Behind the Turnaround
The fear is not just about Ryan’s title. It is backed by what Michael Penix Jr. has done on the field. The Falcons looked like one of the worst teams through the first two weeks. They were 0-2 and had no reason for optimism. Then Penix returned from a torn ACL to lead two huge road wins.
The stats show a massive jump in performance. With Cooper Rush starting, the team averaged just eight points per game. That was the lowest mark in the NFL. With Penix assuming control, the Falcons have averaged 459 yards and 40 points per game. They have only one turnover since he started.
Colin Cowherd noticed this shift on an episode of “The Herd.” He argued that what Atlanta is doing is not a mirage. He suggested the pieces were already in place. From his perspective, Penix lacked the proper offensive mind previously to reach his true potential.
A Team Built for Right Now
The roster has the talent to support this new vision. The Falcons still have Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. The offensive line remains largely the same group. The defense has the same collection of players. The distinction lies in Penix granting the whole operation a chance to function.
Since the former top-10 pick returned, Atlanta has secured both victories by at least 20 points. Winning consecutive road contests by 20-plus points marks a first in NFL history for them. They did it against the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints. Those are two very tough road environments to conquer.
A team entering the season with scant hope now sees its conversation altered by this success. The Falcons scored 80 points across those two blowout games. Penix finished with two touchdowns, one interception, 479 yards, and 33 completions on 45 passes. His passer rating sits at 113.1.
The league sees a team that is no longer an easy target. They see a franchise with a legendary leader in the front office and a quarterback playing at an elite level. The combination of Ryan’s focus and Penix’s performance is what makes other coaches nervous.
What Comes Next for Atlanta
The next test arrives on Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on the Falcons. Baltimore stepping into the primetime spotlight for the first time during the Jesse Minter era awaits.
The matchup will be high-powered even with injuries. An ankle injury rules out Lamar Jackson while Tyler Huntley readies himself for the start. Two superstars plus another major offensive piece will be missing for the Ravens. Out are Cam Jurgens, Trey Hendrickson, and Lamar Jackson.
Despite the injuries, Baltimore still has talent scattered throughout the team. Although Huntley remains capable of winning, he faces a heavy burden to match Atlanta. The Falcons have their own injury concerns, with four starters listed as questionable. Jake Matthews, Za’Darius Smith, Divine Deablo, and Samson Ebukam are all dealing with various issues.
The game could define the season for both sides. If the Falcons win, the fear around the league will grow. If they lose, the claim that the success is not a mirage will face its first real test. The league is watching to see if Ryan’s vision can hold up under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football.
