Expectations are mounting for the Atlanta Falcons.
Just how high can the 2025 cast soar?
Well, with Michael Penix Jr. under center, the Lombardi Trophy's the limit, according to wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud.
"I'm excited, and I'm not gonna be surprised by any of it," McCloud told Pro Football Network recently. "I've watched [Penix] every day for the last year at practice, and I'm just ready to see him go into an experienced year, a polished year, and see how it goes -- go all the way to the Super Bowl."
Hope is rarely higher for teams than at this time on the calendar, but McCloud's optimism has to be tempered somewhat when stacked up against the statistics.
Penix showed promise aplenty once he took the reins from Kirk Cousins to end the 2024 campaign, but the first-rounder has still started just three games and went 1-2 in them. Those were the final three contests of an 8-9 season, the franchise's seventh in a row with a losing record. It likewise extended Atlanta's postseason drought, as the Falcons haven't reached the playoffs since 2017.
A season prior, the Falcons went to the Super Bowl.
To think they could return in 2025 is certainly a lofty aspiration, but McCloud clearly likes what he's seen from Penix, not to mention his surrounding cast of running back Bijan Robinson, fellow wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, tight end Kyle Pitts and one of the league's top offensive lines.
The No. 8 overall pick of the '24 draft, Penix bided his time behind Cousins for most of last year before being called to action. His 775 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions over five appearances are hardly jaw-dropping, but his long left arm and poise have invigorated the club.
Last season was also a huge one for McCloud, whose 62 receptions and 686 yards were each career highs.
Thus, he's visualizing another big season for himself, Penix and the Falcons.
