The Atlanta Falcons' 2025 season has been defined by inconsistency, and one glaring issue continues to haunt them week after week: special teams - particularly kickoff coverage. Heading into their matchup against the New York Jets, the Falcons were already sitting dead last in the league in yards allowed per kick return. That number didn’t improve after they gave up an 83-yard return that set the tone for another frustrating afternoon.
It’s not just that the Falcons are struggling to stop returns - it’s how they’re choosing to address the issue that’s raising eyebrows. Head coach Raheem Morris didn’t mince words after the game, admitting the team made a conscious decision to kick the ball out of the end zone rather than risk giving up another long return. In other words, they were willing to spot the Jets the ball at the 35-yard line - repeatedly - because they didn’t trust their coverage unit to make a play.
That’s not a small concession. The Jets came into the game leading the league in kick return yardage, and the Falcons still opted to hand them premium field position instead of challenging their return team. It’s a clear signal that confidence in Atlanta’s special teams - and in coordinator Marquice Williams - is running on empty.
And honestly, it’s hard to argue with that lack of faith. Special teams have been a major liability for Atlanta all season long.
Whether it’s been missed field goals, poor return decisions, or coverage breakdowns, the third phase of the game has consistently put the Falcons in difficult spots. Sunday was just the latest example.
Kickoff coverage, in particular, has been a disaster. Maintaining lane discipline and staying in your assignment is basic stuff at the NFL level - fundamentals that should be second nature.
But the Falcons are repeatedly getting caught out of position, opening up lanes for returners to exploit. That’s exactly what happened on Sunday, and it nearly cost them the game.
The Jets’ offense wasn’t exactly lighting it up, but when you hand Tyrod Taylor the ball in the red zone, you’re begging for trouble.
And the problems don’t stop with kickoffs. Punt coverage has also been shaky, and the return game has offered little in the way of field position advantage.
The Falcons rank 32nd in yards per kick return and 30th in punt return yards - and those numbers tell the story. Jamal Agnew, brought in to provide a spark as a return specialist, has struggled mightily.
His muffed punt against the Jets directly led to a touchdown - a backbreaking mistake in a game that was already slipping away.
The NFL’s new kickoff rules were designed to incentivize more returns and add excitement to the play. But for Atlanta, the rule change has only magnified their weaknesses.
Opponents are exploiting their coverage unit by dropping kicks into the landing zone and forcing the Falcons to make plays - plays they haven’t been able to make. And when Atlanta gets the ball back, they’re often starting drives deep in their own territory, while their opponents are getting a head start at the 35.
It’s been a season full of issues for the Falcons, from quarterback uncertainty to offensive inconsistency. But special teams have quietly - and sometimes not so quietly - been one of the biggest culprits in their 4-8 record.
At this point, the struggles are no longer just about execution; they’re about philosophy and accountability. When your head coach is openly saying he’d rather give up free yards than trust his coverage unit, something’s broken.
Marquice Williams’ seat is getting hotter by the week. Special teams are supposed to be the hidden third of the game - the part that flips field position, steals possessions, and sets the tone.
For Atlanta, it’s been the opposite. And unless something changes fast, that third phase could continue to drag down the rest of the roster.