I didn't think it was possible to feel so unsatisfied after a win, especially against the New Orleans Saints, but the Falcons managed to do just that. Don't get me wrong—there were some excellent performances on Sunday, which I’ll get into more later. However, there was an overall lack of execution, and there’s no more excuse for it, as we’re about a quarter of the way through the NFL season.
The two main components that need to be fixed are the pass rush and the offense, and it’s been a recurring issue since Week 1. There is too much inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball, and the lack of sustained drives is a major concern. The lack of a pass rush also depletes the impact of the Falcons' star-studded secondary. Atlanta has faced its fair share of tough opponents, and given the new core leadership, some struggles were understandable. However, Week 5 for the Falcons starts on Thursday, and too many concerns need to be addressed in just three short days before kickoff. A page needs to be turned—and turned fast. This team has too much talent to be playing one-possession games.
The overall negative tone shouldn’t distract us from the standout performances by the Falcons’ special teams on Sunday. Younghoe Koo was brilliant against the Saints, going 4-for-4 on field goals, including the 58-yard game-winner. Some Falcons fans may already be ready to crown Koo as the Falcons' greatest kicker of all time over Matt Bryant (maybe me too). Atlanta also scored one of their touchdowns on a muffed Saints punt, which KhaDarel Hodge recovered for six. In one of the more unconventional ways, Atlanta pulled out a win—a divisional win against the Saints, no less. I couldn’t be more ecstatic about that, but it’s time to get into the thick of it. So, sit back, relax—or don’t, because I’m certainly not as I’m typing this.
Defense
Another standout performance for the Falcons' defense came from Troy Anderson. Anderson led the team in tackles with 17 (10 solo and seven assists) and also recorded a tackle for loss. But the most significant play was his 47-yard interception return for a touchdown in the middle of the second quarter. Anderson was all over the field on Sunday, helping to keep the Saints' offense in check.
However, on a negative note, Anderson did suffer a knee injury during the game. It was reported that he is "hurting" but is considered day-to-day at this point. It’s difficult to gauge the extent of Anderson's injury, especially since the Falcons didn’t practice on Monday, jeopardizing his chances of playing on Thursday. The Falcons are already thin at linebacker, with Nate Landman currently on injured reserve. J.D. Bertrand and Kaden Elliss are the roster's only “healthy” inside linebackers. In response, the Falcons signed a familiar face, Rashaan Evans, to the practice squad. Evans started 17 games for the Falcons in 2022, recording 159 total tackles.
To wrap up the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons' pass rush once again barely made an impact, recording only three total hits on the quarterback and just one sack. That lone sack came from Dee Alford, a defensive back. To sum it up, it’s been two straight games in which the Falcons’ defensive line and edge rushers have failed to record a single sack. When is something going to change? I think it’s time to deploy rookie second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro at defensive tackle. The Clemson graduate has been a healthy scratch in every game this season. It’s time for Jimmy Lake and Raheem Morris to explore different options because what they’re doing now isn’t working.
Offense
With a new offensive coordinator and a new quarterback, it was expected that the offense would have some growing pains—but not like this. This offense is supposed to thrive through the run game, yet for some odd reason, Atlanta only ran the ball 15 times. The outside zone runs to Bijan Robinson weren’t working well, and it seemed that once that became apparent, Zac Robinson abandoned the run game with Bijan. However, Tyler Allgeier ran the ball eight times for 60 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. I understand the “flow” of the game factor, but Atlanta has two running backs who have each accumulated over 1,000 total yards early in their careers. Z-Rob needs to stick with the run game and take pressure off Cousins. There’s no good reason why the Falcons shouldn’t be running the ball at least 20 times a game.
Both Drake London and Darnell Mooney had respectable performances, as both went over 50 yards. It was nice to see London get a heavy dose of targets from Cousins, receiving 12 and catching 6. Mooney went 3-for-6 for 58 yards, and two of his catches were among the top 10 longest plays for the Falcons. With those receivers showing up, the question becomes: What in the hell is going on with Kyle Pitts? Pitts had a notable 50-yard reception last week against the Chiefs but went 0-for-3 on Sunday against the Saints. It’s starting to look like this might be a “Kyle Pitts” problem rather than a coaching issue as to why he isn’t getting much action with the football. One also has to wonder: How did Matt Ryan manage to get him to 1,000 yards receiving in his rookie year?
Atlanta’s offense was, once again, piss-poor on third downs, converting just 36.4% of them. Too often, the offense put itself in 3rd-and-long situations, making it even harder to convert. When are we going to see this offense establish any continuity? It’s been four weeks, and this unit is at the bottom of the league in both points and yards. There’s just too much talent on this offense not to be putting up at least 2-3 touchdowns per game. The Falcons did have a shot at a touchdown but were set back by a highly controversial holding penalty on Jake Matthews. Even then, Koo's shortest field goal attempt was from 42 yards out, and the offense only visited the red zone once. It's inexcusable all around.
Game 5 is in two days. There’s no more time for patience in the National Football League, especially with the money that was spent in the offseason. Again, I couldn't be more happy that the Falcons won against the Saints, but to me, the Falcons put their best foot forward to lose this game. Atlanta will stay at home (in their throwbacks) and take on a tough Tampa Bay team for another NFC South Showdown. You have to hope the Falcons can gain some offensive firepower in just two short days, and if not, I’m afraid the Falcons will fall below .500 once more.
Conrad's Three Stars
1st Star – Troy Anderson (17 total tackles, 1 Tackle For Loss, 1 INT, 1 TD)
2nd Star –Younghoe Koo (4/4 FG’s, 2/2 XP’s )
3rd Star – Tyler Allgeier (8 carries, 60 yards, 7.5 AVG, 2 receptions, 20 yards)
MAIN IMAGE VIA GETTY IMAGES
Comments