The Atlanta Falcons have regressed to the imply within the final two weeks, struggling an unfortunate loss to the New Orleans Saints and an absolute pummeling from the Denver Broncos.
This Falcons staff was 6-3 till hitting this two-game skid, one which sends the staff into its bye week with a 6-5 document, a number of inquiries to reply and loads of accidents to fix earlier than a Dec. 1 dwelling stand in opposition to the red-hot Los Angeles Chargers.
Two issues could be true concerning the Falcons proper now: they’re an improved group from the previous six years that has promising younger expertise on either side of the ball and a clear-cut plan at quarterback, they usually’re not Tremendous Bowl contenders proper now.
Raheem Morris has performed a extremely good job this season at constructing a seemingly robust tradition and bringing in some spectacular wins, and Zac Robinson has been an actual discover at offensive coordinator. Nonetheless, this staff nonetheless has loads of flaws and doubtless gained’t make it very far within the playoffs even when it will get there. That’s simply the way it often goes within the first yr of a brand new regime in case you discover some on the spot success.
Profitable the NFC South remains to be very a lot on the desk for the Falcons, as ending with 9 or 10 wins ought to do the job. Barring an absolute collapse after the bye, Atlanta ought to nonetheless be a feisty contender with loads of expertise on offense to win in shootouts and stifle lesser opponents.
Whereas quarterback Kirk Cousins is principally nonetheless the model of himself from the Kevin O’Connell Minnesota Vikings days with even much less mobility (some nice video games, some irritating ones), don’t count on the Falcons to veer off their quarterback path and begin rookie Michael Penix Jr. anytime quickly. This was true after the staff’s abysmal Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it’s nonetheless true after this two-game dropping streak.
Certain, Penix got here in to take reduction snaps for Cousins in Sunday’s Broncos loss when it appeared like the sport was out of attain for Atlanta. Cousins didn’t play significantly effectively for the Falcons this previous week, however he’s been very dependable total for the franchise this season. Cousins additionally popped up on the harm report final week, hinting he won’t have been 100-percent in Denver.
The Falcons have a ton of accidents, significantly on the already struggling defensive facet of the ball. The staff isn’t going to waltz to the playoffs this season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers getting huge receiver Mike Evans again ultimately and the New Orleans Saints exhibiting indicators of life. Nonetheless, each of these groups have dropping information and the Falcons are 4-1 within the division. Tampa Bay and New Orleans each have a number of floor to make up, significantly since Atlanta ought to nonetheless win video games this season.
The Falcons aren’t benching one of many largest causes they’re nonetheless in first place within the NFC South and would possibly simply snap a six-season playoff drought. Penix is the way forward for this franchise, however two losses in consecutive weeks gained’t and shouldn’t ship main alarms all through Flowery Department. Cousins remains to be taking part in at a comparatively excessive degree for his age and bodily limitations.
Atlanta’s protection shouldn’t be good and can most likely maintain it again if it does win the division and host a playoff sport. The Falcons don’t have a go rush, the run protection is poor and the secondary is inconsistent. The offense has weeks of real brilliance, however it additionally struggles when nice defensive strains make Cousins uncomfortable and the run sport slows down.
Although this Falcons staff has a reasonably laborious ceiling, its commendable ground is such that they need to nonetheless be the favorites to win the NFC South. The day will come when the franchise throws Penix the keys, however that day won’t come this season. Heck, it won’t even come subsequent season at this price. Cousins remains to be taking part in like a franchise quarterback who may also help the Falcons contend, and the staff will most certainly put money into its protection subsequent offseason.
We’re undecided what occurs sooner or later, however Atlanta remains to be in prime place so as to add no less than one further sport to the 2024 schedule. Cousins provides it the obvious path to get there.
Don’t overthink this; it’s not Penix time simply but.
