Heading into Week 11, most Atlanta fans braced themselves for a tough outing against the Broncos. Injuries had already depleted the Falcons’ lineup, but no one could have predicted the utter collapse that unfolded in Denver.
The defense, already a weak spot this season, reached a new low under Jimmy Lake. They struggled to generate any pressure on the quarterback, allowing the Broncos’ offense to move the ball at will. Denver’s game plan, spearheaded by Bo Nix and orchestrated by Sean Payton, was masterful. Quick passes and shifty ball carriers left the Falcons grasping at air all afternoon. The result? A 32-point dismantling that left Raheem Morris’ team reeling.
But the blame doesn’t rest solely on the defense. The Falcons’ offense was equally dreadful. The Broncos smothered Atlanta, limiting them to just six points. Drives were repeatedly derailed by sacks, penalties, and what can only be described as a lack of preparation. Losing to a strong Broncos team might have been understandable given the injuries, but the sheer magnitude of the blowout raises serious questions about the coaching staff.
Atlanta has now dropped three of their last five games, with two being outright blowouts. It’s fair to wonder if this team is truly any different from the disappointing Falcons squads of the past. Much of the scrutiny falls on Raheem Morris. As head coach, the responsibility ultimately lies with him, but his hiring of Jimmy Lake and involvement in the defensive game plans cannot be ignored. Defense is Morris’ bread and butter, yet his unit continues to be a liability.
That said, the roster’s shortcomings are also a major factor. General Manager Terry Fontenot shares the blame for a defense that lacks the talent to compete with even average offenses like Denver’s, let alone the NFL’s elite. Injuries only magnified these issues, but the lack of depth is glaring.
To make matters worse, the Falcons looked lifeless—a damning reflection of their head coach. Raheem Morris once claimed he would “breathe life” into this team, but on Sunday, the Falcons looked like a group counting the minutes until their bye week.
With six games left and the NFC South no longer a sure thing, the bye week must serve as a turning point. If the Falcons hope to salvage their season, it’s time for a serious reevaluation—from the coaching staff to the players. Otherwise, this team risks becoming yet another footnote in a long line of Falcons disappointments.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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