Atlanta Falcons Struggle to Find Victory Amid Offensive Challenges
The Atlanta Falcons have hit a rough patch, failing to secure a win in their last four outings. During this period, the team's offense has struggled, averaging a mere 14.25 points per game. This scoring drought has cast a shadow over a defense that has shown promising potential.
Offensive Woes and Defensive Bright Spots
Despite their offensive struggles, the Falcons' defense has been a silver lining. Between Weeks 11 and 13, they ranked eighth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play during non-garbage-time situations. This indicates that the defensive squad is capable of keeping games competitive, even as the offense stumbles.
A significant source of competition for the Falcons has been their quarterback handling. The recent performance of Kirk Cousins adds another layer to this narrative. Although historically recording a 67% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt in Atlanta, his recent performances have deviated significantly. In the last four games alone, Cousins has thrown eight interceptions without a single touchdown.
Kirk Cousins: A Double-Edged Sword
Having joined the team with a hefty $100 million fully guaranteed contract back in March, Cousins was expected to bring stability and prowess to the Falcons' quarterback position. However, his struggles have been particularly noticeable in the crucial moments of games. In fourth-quarter scenarios, Cousins has managed only a 56 passer rating, with two touchdowns and the same problematic eight interceptions dogging his stats.
This decline is further emphasized by his completion rate, which stands at 61.2% with an average of 6.20 yards per attempt. These numbers provide insight into the Falcons' inability to close games effectively, as highlighted by the fact that nine of Atlanta's 13 games have been within a single score entering the fourth quarter.
Draft Picks and Future Matchups
Adding to their quarterback depth, the Falcons had drafted Michael Penix Jr. as the No. 8 overall pick last April. While Penix's role and impact are still unfolding, his presence offers a glimmer of hope for boosting the offensive unit's dynamics in the long run.
Looking ahead, the Falcons have a slate of challenging games lined up against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. Each of these matchups presents a potential opportunity to turn their season around, especially as they vie to close the gap on the 7-6 Buccaneers.
As the Falcons continue to navigate this stretch of their season, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on their efforts to revitalize an underperforming offense and convert promising defensive plays into long-awaited victories. The road ahead involves critical assessments and strategic adjustments if they aim to reclaim competitiveness in a tightly contested division.