Atlanta has gone from an offense searching for answers to one of the NFL’s hottest units. With Michael Penix Jr. back under center, Bijan Robinson leading the ground attack, and the Baltimore Ravens coming to town, the Falcons have an opportunity to prove their early-season turnaround is for real.

The Atlanta Falcons are beginning to look like the team many expected them to be entering the 2026 NFL season. After a disappointing 0-2 start, Atlanta has responded with consecutive victories, including two impressive performances on the road, to even its record at 2-2 and reenter the NFC South conversation.

Now, the Falcons face another major test Sunday night when they host the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, and Atlanta will be looking to extend its winning streak to three games against a Baltimore team that entered the week at 3-1.

Michael Penix Jr. Has Changed the Offense

The biggest difference in Atlanta’s recent success has been the return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to the starting lineup.

The Falcons opened the season with losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers, scoring just 16 combined points across those first two games. Since Penix returned, however, Atlanta has produced 80 points in wins over the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.

Penix has provided improved accuracy, better offensive rhythm, and a willingness to push the ball downfield. Through his first two games back, he completed 73.3% of his passes for 479 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Just as importantly, his presence has helped create more opportunities for Atlanta’s running game. Rather than forcing the offense to depend on one approach, the Falcons have found a better balance between the passing and rushing attacks.

The challenge now is sustaining that efficiency against a Baltimore defense that will be eager to disrupt Atlanta’s rhythm and force the quarterback into difficult situations.

Bijan Robinson Is Setting the Tone

If Penix has helped stabilize the offense, running back Bijan Robinson has become its driving force.

Robinson delivered another outstanding performance in Monday night’s 45-24 victory over New Orleans, rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns. His first carry of the game went for a 59-yard touchdown, immediately putting the Saints on their heels.

Robinson has been especially productive in prime-time games. His combination of vision, acceleration, balance, and ability to create yards after contact has made him one of Atlanta’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

Through four games, Robinson has rushed for 494 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Those numbers put him among the league’s leading rushers and demonstrate just how important he has become to the Falcons’ offensive identity.

Atlanta also has another productive option in Brian Robinson Jr., who scored three rushing touchdowns against New Orleans. His physical running style gives the Falcons another way to wear down opposing defenses, particularly near the goal line.

Together, the two backs have given Atlanta a rushing attack capable of controlling the tempo and taking pressure off Penix.

Drake London and the Passing Game Are Finding Their Rhythm

Wide receiver Drake London has also been a major part of Atlanta’s resurgence.

London recorded 96 receiving yards against the Saints, following a spectacular performance against Green Bay in which he totaled 194 receiving yards. Across those two games, London and Bijan Robinson combined for 650 yards from scrimmage.

That production illustrates the challenge Atlanta presents when its offense is clicking. Defenses must account for Robinson breaking through the line of scrimmage while also respecting London’s ability to stretch the field and win contested catches.

Jahan Dotson has provided another downfield option, including a 31-yard touchdown reception against New Orleans.

If Penix continues to distribute the ball effectively and the Falcons maintain their rushing efficiency, Atlanta could force Baltimore to defend the entire field rather than concentrate on stopping one player.

The Defense Is Becoming an Important Part of the Turnaround

Atlanta’s offensive improvement has received much of the attention, but the defense deserves recognition as well.

The Falcons limited the Saints to just 50 rushing yards in their latest victory, helping prevent New Orleans from establishing a consistent ground game. Atlanta entered Week 5 allowing a league-low 48.3 rushing yards per game, according to the team’s pregame statistics.

That defensive strength will be tested against Baltimore’s physical rushing attack, led by Derrick Henry.

Henry’s power and ability to break tackles can change a game even when the passing offense struggles. Atlanta will need disciplined tackling, strong gap assignments, and consistent play from its defensive front to prevent Baltimore from controlling possession.

The Falcons must also be prepared for quarterback Tyler Huntley, who will start in place of Lamar Jackson. Huntley has experience in Baltimore’s system, so Atlanta cannot assume the quarterback change eliminates the Ravens’ ability to move the ball.

Baltimore Presents a Different Kind of Challenge

The Ravens enter Sunday’s game with a 3-1 record after defeating the Tennessee Titans 24-18. However, Baltimore will be without its biggest offensive star.

Jackson was ruled out Friday after suffering a left ankle injury against Tennessee. Huntley, who completed eight of nine passes for 63 yards after replacing Jackson last week, will take over at quarterback.

Jackson’s absence is significant. Through four games, he had completed 70.8% of his passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception.

Nevertheless, Baltimore still has Henry, capable receiving targets, and an offense built around physical football. The Ravens can shorten games by sustaining drives and forcing opposing defenses to remain on the field.

For Atlanta, the objective should be straightforward: stop the run, make Huntley win through the air, and avoid giving Baltimore short fields through turnovers.

Three Keys to Sunday Night

1. Establish the running game early. Robinson and Robinson Jr. have been instrumental in Atlanta’s resurgence. If the Falcons consistently gain yards on early downs, they can keep Penix in manageable passing situations and control the clock.

2. Protect Penix and capitalize on Baltimore’s defensive weaknesses. Atlanta must give its quarterback time to find London and the other receivers. Sustained drives and explosive plays could allow the Falcons to build momentum in front of their home crowd.

3. Make Baltimore one-dimensional. With Jackson unavailable, Atlanta has an opportunity to focus more attention on Henry and force Huntley into obvious passing situations. However, the defense must remain disciplined enough to account for Huntley’s mobility and Baltimore’s designed runs.

A Chance to Make the Turnaround Count

The Falcons’ season is still young, and two consecutive wins do not erase the problems that surfaced during the opening weeks. Their early offensive struggles showed how quickly a season can get away from a team when it cannot sustain drives or generate points.

But the response has been encouraging.

Atlanta has scored 80 points in its last two games, won convincingly against two division rivals or conference opponents on the road, and developed a more balanced offensive identity with Penix back in the lineup.

Sunday night offers an opportunity to show that this improvement can translate against another playoff-caliber opponent. A third consecutive victory would move Atlanta to 3-2, strengthen its position in the NFC South race, and give the team additional momentum heading into the middle portion of the season.

The Falcons have found their rhythm at the right time. Now they must show they can maintain it against a Baltimore team that remains dangerous even without its starting quarterback.

The bottom line: Atlanta has given its fans legitimate reasons for optimism. With Robinson running at an elite level, Penix playing with improved efficiency, and the defense establishing itself against the run, the Falcons have the ingredients to make Sunday night competitive. The next step is turning a promising two-game surge into a sustained run of winning football.

Beyond the Sidelines — Covering the teams, players, and stories that shape the game.