It is still too early to say for sure whether certain NFL teams are legitimate playoff contenders, but legendary coach Jon Gruden is extremely high on one NFC squad that not many people seem to be talking about.
Gruden, who works for Barstool Sports, discussed a wide range of NFL-related topics during an interview with the “Pardon My Take” podcast that was released on Friday. He was asked for his thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons, and he had no shortage of praise for Raheem Morris’ team.
“I like them, man. I like them. I’m really impressed,” Gruden said. “After they lose 30-0 to Carolina, I think everybody was on their a–. You know, ‘This is a bad team, typical Falcons.’ What they did coming back, beating Washington and going on a bye and coming back and taking it to Buffalo on national television. There’s a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of confidence.”
As Gruden mentioned, the Falcons were embarrassed in a 30-0 Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. They then beat the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills at home, with a bye week sandwiched in between. Gruden does not think either of those games were flukes, as he is a big believer in Atlanta’s roster.
“Mike Penix man, I’m telling you, this guy is a very talented cat. He can really spin it,” Gruden said. “And Drake London is starting to play like Andre Johnson. He’s starting to play physical. … Kyle Pitts is starting to show why he was a top-10 pick. When they get Darnell Mooney back — remember Mooney had almost 1,000 yards — to really blow the top off, I think they have a lot of firepower, man.
“The defense, we call these guys ‘The Blank Squad.’ Nobody knows their name. You talk about Zach Harrison and this (Brandon) Dorlus guy, (Divine) Deablo and (Kaden) Elliss, they play their a–es off, man. I wouldn’t want to play these guys.”
Jon Gruden thinks the Falcons have a lot of firepower pic.twitter.com/BAworYPQhG
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) October 17, 2025
The Falcons have yet another tough test in Week 7, as they will face the San Francisco 49ers on the road in primetime on “Sunday Night Football.” That will go a long way toward showing how they stack up against playoff-caliber competition.
Even if they don’t pass that test, Gruden’s opinion holds plenty of weight. He is a former Super Bowl champion coach and considered one of the greatest offensive minds in football. If he thinks the Falcons are legitimate, the rest of the NFL should take note.
