Streak of Struggles Continues for Atlanta Falcons
As the Atlanta Falcons approach the twilight of yet another tumultuous season, their prospects for a successful campaign appear increasingly dim. The Falcons, currently positioned just one game behind the 7-6 Buccaneers, have been locked in a frustrating winless streak spanning their last four matchups. An offensive sputter seems to be at the heart of this slump, with Atlanta averaging a mere 14.25 points per game throughout this period.
While the offense has been plodding along, the Falcons’ defensive unit offers a glimmer of hope. Between Week 11 and Week 13, Atlanta’s defense distinguished itself by ranking eighth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play in non-garbage-time situations. Such a ranking highlights their ability to effectively limit opponents when the game is on the line, a skill they will need to harness in their upcoming matches.
Cousins Under the Microscope
Much attention is focused on Kirk Cousins, who joined the Falcons roster earlier in the year with a massively lucrative $100 million fully guaranteed contract inked in March. However, his recent performances have not lived up to the colossal investment. Over the past four games, Cousins has been mired in a slump of his own, throwing eight interceptions without registering any touchdowns. In the critical moments of fourth quarters, his passer rating has alarmingly dipped to 56, with Cousins managing a mere two touchdowns against eight interceptions. These numbers reveal a dramatic contrast to his earlier performances, notably his career marks in Atlanta, which boast a 67% completion rate and a sound 7.8 yards per attempt.
Cousins' reliability seems to evaporate as games reach their climactic moments. His completion rate during fourth quarters of recent games stands at a middling 61.2%, paired with an underwhelming 6.20 yards per attempt. Such figures have undoubtedly contributed to the Falcons' inability to close out tight contests, with nine out of Atlanta's 13 games entering the fourth quarter within a single score margin.
The Road Ahead
As the season draws on, the Falcons must find a way to reverse their fortunes. Their upcoming schedule includes pivotal clashes against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. Each of these matchups presents an opportunity for Atlanta to recalibrate their strategy and capitalize on the defensive solidity they have managed to build. Much of the responsibility lies with Kirk Cousins and the offensive line to rediscover their rhythm and convert the promise of their roster into tangible results.
A flicker of potential is evident in the promising play of Michael Penix Jr., the talented quarterback who was selected as the No. 8 overall pick last April. His integration into the team could become increasingly important, offering a fresh impetus that might help spark a turnaround in performance.
Final Thoughts
For Atlanta, the stakes could not be higher. With the playoffs still a mathematical possibility, the Falcons need to break free from the chains of their current skid. This task will require comprehensive adjustments, a renewed focus on offensive efficacy, and the ability to maintain defensive pressures across all quarters. Only then can Atlanta hope to close the gap with the Buccaneers and rekindle the flame of playoff aspirations that every team yearns for as the NFL season heads into its conclusive chapters.