Some Falcons fans aren’t happy with the 1-2 start, but rest assured, I’m here to calm your nerves and provide some optimism.
Not all 1-2 starts are built the same. Atlanta’s three-game stretch features two undefeated clubs, with the three totaling an 8-1 record. The Steelers, Chiefs, and Eagles are all playoff teams.
In years past, the Falcons wouldn’t have had any hope of beating those kinds of clubs, but Raheem Morris’ team took Pittsburgh and Kansas City to the wire. This is clearly a talented roster, capable of competing with anyone in the league.
The fact is the Falcons are breaking in two first-time coordinators and a new quarterback coming off an Achilles injury that didn’t take any preseason snaps. There will be an adjustment period. To add even more context, the Chiefs and Steelers own two of the best defenses in the league, with the latter maybe being the best in football right now.
Suffice to say, the start of the Falcons season was immediately uphill, but it gets better, folks. In fact, the Falcons have played the league’s hardest schedule through three games and have the easiest remaining schedule.
Past and future schedule strength
— The Falcons have played the league's hardest schedule, and have the easiest remaining schedule
— The Seahawks & Bills have played the easiest schedules pic.twitter.com/m5w1gRKjuG— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) September 25, 2024
Falcons fans are rightfully a little disappointed with the start of the season, but I think it was fair to expect a 1-2 start from this club. There will be better days ahead as the schedule lightens up; however, I say it all the time — it’s not about who you play, but rather when you play them.
For instance, the Falcons draw the Saints this week and the Bucs next week, and Atlanta will be without its starting center. Granted, New Orleans will also be without their Pro Bowl center, but the point remains.
The Falcons uphill battle to begin the 2024 campaign won’t be that way for the entire season.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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