The Falcons are winless through two weeks of the 2022 season, one of two teams in the NFC who haven’t captured their first victory. However, the start of this season is different than 2021, despite being 0-2. The Eagles smothered the Falcons in the 2021 opener, then Atlanta was once again beat handily by Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in Week 2. This year, the Falcons have lost both of their matchups by one score to playoff-caliber teams.
A silver lining for the #Falcons first 2 games this season:
Vs. their 1st two opponents last year (playoff teams), ATL lost by a combined 49 points.
Vs. their 1st two opponents this year (proj. playoff teams), ATL lost by a combined 5 points.
There is progress happening.
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) September 19, 2022
Fortunately for me, I don’t have to be focused on the task at hand like the team does. I can afford to look forward. As the Falcons try to pick up the pieces ahead of their Week 3 battle in Seattle, the team has an excellent chance to get back to a .500 record over the next couple of weeks with very beatable teams in the Seahawks and Deshaun Watson-less Browns on the docket.
The Seahawks surprised a lot of folks with their Week 1 upset over the Russell Wilson-led Broncos. But I think that is more of an indictment on Denver, who is a dumpster fire at the moment with Nathanial Hackett at the helm. Seattle was brought back to reality by the 49ers last week. Geno Smith did just enough to pull out the Week 1 victory, but the Seahawks’ offense is as pedestrian as any in this league. The Falcons are currently 1.5-point underdogs in one of the most feared places to play in football, which means on a neutral site field, Atlanta would be favorites. Arthur Smith should be able to notch his first victory of 2022 this week.
On the other hand, the Browns are coming off one of the worst losses in NFL history. The downfall began with a missed extra point; then, a blown coverage assignment resulted in a Jets 66-yard touchdown. New York followed the play up with a recovered onside kick and moved the ball down the field at will. Joe Flacco hit Garrett Wilson for a 15-yard touchdown to essentially ice the game. Cleveland has the Steelers on Thursday on short rest in what should be an extremely taxing matchup for the Browns. Then, they’ll travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons.
Sometimes it’s not about who you play but when you play them. And the Falcons are getting two beatable teams that are reeling. Atlanta has been close twice, and I believe they have a great shot at winning in back-to-back weeks, putting themselves in a position to go over .500 in Week 5.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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