People can say anything. But they reveal more by their actions.
Based on actions, atheists are as ethical and moral and kind and generous and law-abiding as theists. In many cases, more so. (We have lots of evidence that places with less religious people are better on every human development measure than more religious places.)
Is it because, secretly, deep down, without even being aware of it, we atheists actually believe in the Christian version of god and want to go to heaven when we die? Even though we never worship, pray, or show any god-belief in any way? Or is it because we really think this is the only life we get and we should try to make it as good as we can for everyone?
On the other hand, most religious people behave every bit as badly as any atheist. Just as likely to break traffic laws, rob banks, beat up people, rape and molest, neglect their children and elderly, get divorced, have illicit sexual relations, steal cars, drink, smoke, take drugs, etc. Maybe even more so.
Even though they claim to believe that a god-being is watching them 24-7 and judging whether they are being good or not.
So, who is more likely to be acting on what they say they believe?