The Falcons are still technically alive in the postseason race, but their hopes were effectively dashed with a loss to the Panthers.
It marks the second defeat in as many weeks to division opponents, which has the club on the outside looking in as the Buccaneers own the top spot in the NFC South.
Losing to a coachless and pretty much lifeless Carolina team is embarrassing. There’s no skirting around that reality, but what’s even more degrading is looking at the other teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention and the Falcons’ record against those opponents.
Here are those who have been eliminated through Week 15.
AFC
- New England Patriots (eliminated in Week 14)
- New York Jets (eliminated in Week 15)
- Tennessee Titans (eliminated in Week 15)
NFC
- Carolina Panthers (eliminated in Week 13)
- Arizona Cardinals (eliminated in Week 15)
- Washington Commanders (eliminated in Week 15)
The Falcons own a 2-4 record against those clubs, with losses coming against the Panthers, Titans, Cardinals, and Commanders.
Atlanta lost to a pair of quarterbacks making their debuts in Tennessee and Arizona. Will Levis was making his NFL debut, and Kyler Murray was making his 2023 debut. The Cardinals had one win at the time of the contest, while the Titans were 2-4.
The Falcons have had a rough 2023 campaign that could potentially culminate with Arthur Blank firing Arthur Smith, but to add salt in the wound, it’s been even worse than some fans probably even realize. Not only is Atlanta losing games, but they’re losing them to the worst the NFL has to offer.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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