The Atlanta Falcons have had multiple chances to seize control of the NFC South, but they’ve let each one slip through their fingers. Last week, they fell to the 2-7 New Orleans Saints in a frustrating three-point loss, marred by three missed field goals. Despite the defeat, the team at least looked competitive in New Orleans. Fast forward to yesterday in Denver, and the Falcons were completely lifeless, echoing the struggles of the past several seasons as Raheem Morris’ squad stumbles into the bye week.
Offense Hits a Bump, Defense Crumbles
For the offense, the Denver game feels like a bump in the road against one of the league’s better defenses. But the defense? That’s a different story. Injury-plagued and underwhelming, the Falcons allowed rookie quarterback Bo Nix to carve them up with 307 yards and four touchdowns. Nix had nearly as many touchdowns as incompletions and could’ve easily added another score or two if the game had been competitive.
Sean Payton crafted a masterful game plan, focusing on quick throws to neutralize Atlanta’s non-existent pass rush. Once Denver’s receivers got the ball, the Falcons’ tackling—or lack thereof—showed not only a lack of execution but effort as well.
A Season of Defensive Struggles
The Falcons’ defense has been a liability all season, with few bright spots. The pass rush has been historically ineffective, despite significant investments over the past two offseasons. Injuries and regression have plagued the linebacking corps, while the secondary, typically a strong point, finally showed its lack of depth on Sunday.
Blame for these defensive shortcomings falls squarely on the shoulders of defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and head coach Raheem Morris. The contrast with last year’s unit under Ryan Nielsen—despite having fewer key pieces—is striking. While coaching is undoubtedly part of the problem, the team’s talent acquisition issues are just as troubling.
The Drafting Dilemma
General Manager Terry Fontenot has struggled to draft impact defensive players, despite allocating significant resources to the defense. While his free-agent signings have occasionally hit the mark, the lack of homegrown talent is glaring. Building a playoff-caliber defense requires drafting and developing cornerstone players, and so far, Fontenot has fallen short.
Until the Falcons can bring in starting-caliber talent through the draft, sustained success will remain elusive. Atlanta’s defense is a glaring issue when fully healthy—when riddled with injuries, it’s a catastrophe.
The Road Ahead
With the Buccaneers coming off their bye week refreshed and the Saints gaining momentum with back-to-back wins, the NFC South race is heating up. The Falcons, meanwhile, are at a crossroads. If they can’t address their glaring weaknesses during the bye week, their season could slip away as quickly as their missed opportunities.
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Photo: Charles Brock/Icon Sportswire
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