The Falcons’ rough stretch of games isn’t over yet. Despite back-t0-back primetime matchups against the Eagles and Chiefs, the club turns around and dives into divisional play as the Saints and Buccaneers loom in Weeks 4 and 5, respectively.
Atlanta fell to Kansas City on Sunday Night Football, but New Orleans and Tampa Bay fell in their respective Week 3 matchups as well. Not all losses are built the same, though.
The Falcons should’ve come away with a much different feeling after the Chiefs loss compared to the Steelers one. Meanwhile, the Bucs and Saints are coming off two horrible performances, and momentum matters.
Health is also key factor in these conversations, and the Falcons lost two key pieces on Sunday in Kaleb McGary and Drew Dalman in the first half, which undoubtedly had a say in the outcome of the game. Had just of them stayed healthy, the Falcons likely would have came away with a victory. That’s how abysmally the offensive line performed after they exited.
Kirk Cousins was under constant pressure, and the run game was practically non-existent. Suffice to say, they’ll be missed if the Falcons are without Dalman and McGary. Thankfully, it seems the latter might not miss much time at all.
Dalman is expected to be out with a high ankle sprain, and an injured reserve stint is even possible. However, McGary’s MCL sprain is considered day-to-day, giving him a much better chance of playing this weekend.
Missing one would be brutal, but missing both could prove extremely difficult to overcome, and it couldn’t be happening at a worse time. The Falcons have three straight division games with a matchup against the Seahawks following. Four games with playoff implications without two offensive line starters isn’t ideal. Hopefully, that isn’t the case.
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Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
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