Atlanta Falcons Face Challenges with Offensive Struggles and Key Upcoming Games
As the Atlanta Falcons trudge through a challenging run, their recent performances paint a picture of a team grappling with significant hurdles. The faltering Falcons have been unable to secure victory in their last four outings, casting a shadow over their season aspirations. Their offensive struggles are a key concern, with the team averaging a mere 14.25 points per game over these matches.
Defense Shows Potential Despite Offensive Struggles
Despite the offensive woes, Atlanta’s defense has shown formidable potential. Ranked eighth in Expected Points Added per play during non-garbage-time in Weeks 11 through 13, the defense has often been the backbone, providing stability in crucial moments. This strong performance reflects a resilience that could be pivotal as the Falcons look to rebound from their current slump.
Kirk Cousins' Troubles Continue
On the opposite side of the ball, Kirk Cousins has been in the spotlight for his recent difficulties. Acquired in March with a hefty $100 million fully guaranteed contract, expectations were high for the seasoned quarterback. However, Cousins' recent performances have been concerning, highlighted by eight interceptions and zero touchdowns in his last four games. His fourth-quarter stats further underline the predicament, with a mere 56 passer rating, two touchdowns, and eight interceptions, leaving fans and analysts questioning his current form.
Cousins' completion rate in the final quarters is 61.2% with 6.20 yards per attempt, adding to the narrative of his recent struggles to lead effective late-game drives. Despite these setbacks, his historical performance in Atlanta presents a brighter picture with a 67% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt, suggesting he can find success again.
The Falcons in Close Contests
One aspect of the Falcons' season is their propensity to be involved in tightly contested games. Nine of their 13 matches have been within a single score entering the fourth quarter. These narrow margins highlight the potential for Atlanta to flip the script with just a few adjustments. Unfortunately, maintaining consistency through those decisive final quarters has been elusive.
Meanwhile, Cousins' stint with the Minnesota Vikings showcased his capabilities, recording a 67.8% completion rate with a 7.6-yard average, performances that he will aim to replicate to turn the tide. With the acquisition of Michael Penix Jr. as the No. 8 overall pick last April, the Falcons have also aimed to bolster their roster, adding a potentially impactful player to bridge gaps in their existing lineup.
Looking at Upcoming Challenges
The road ahead remains daunting for the Falcons, with pivotal games looming against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. These matchups will test the depth and resilience of Atlanta's roster. Currently trailing the 7-6 Buccaneers by a game, the Falcons are placed in a situation where every upcoming match could decisively impact their playoff hopes.
As the Falcons regroup and strategize, the forthcoming fixtures offer a potential turning point. For Cousins, rediscovering his form will be vital, not just for immediate success, but to validate the substantial investment placed on him. For the defense, maintaining their ranked performance could serve as a crucial anchor, providing the spark needed to ignite a turnaround.
Ultimately, the Falcons are at a crossroads, where honing their attack and capitalizing on defensive strengths could mark the difference between revitalized ambitions and another season falling short of expectations. As the pressure mounts, how the Falcons respond in the current climate could well define their trajectory for the remainder of the season.