As the Atlanta Falcons maneuver through a challenging stretch of their season, the team finds itself grappling with issues on both sides of the ball. Having failed to notch a win in their last four outings, the Falcons’ hopes of postseason play are dwindling, casting a shadow over their efforts to stay competitive in the NFC South.
Offensive Struggles
The Falcons’ offensive woes are glaring, with the unit struggling to put points on the board. Over the past four games, Atlanta’s offense has averaged a mere 14.25 points per game. This offensive lethargy has been a significant factor in their inability to close out games, especially when nine out of their 13 contests have been competitive affairs entering the fourth quarter.
Despite these struggles, Atlanta’s commitment to developing young talent remains evident. Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick in last April's draft, represents a key piece in the Falcons’ long-term vision. However, immediate gratification eludes them, leaving the team pondering their offensive strategies moving forward.
Defensive Silver Linings
While the offense battles inconsistency, the Falcons' defense has shown flashes of competency, particularly in non-garbage-time plays between Week 11 and Week 13. Ranked eighth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play during these moments, the defensive unit provides a glimmer of hope. Though these ranks suggest the potential for a robust defense, the team must find ways to translate these metrics into game-winning performances.
Kirk Cousins: A Tale of Two Metrics
A story of contrast emerges when examining Kirk Cousins, a quarterback known for his dualistic performances. Securing Cousins with a $100 million fully guaranteed contract in March aimed to solidify consistent prowess for his team. However, his recent performances have been contrary to these expectations. Over the last four games, Cousins has thrown an alarming eight interceptions without a single touchdown, an unusual slump for a player of his caliber and experience.
His performance in fourth quarters paints an even drearier picture: a passer rating of 56, with two touchdowns starkly balanced against eight interceptions. Completing just 61.2% of his fourth-quarter passes for 6.20 yards per attempt, Cousins’ recent inefficiencies highlight a troubling trend for a normally reliable quarterback.
Historically, Cousins has found success against Atlanta, boasting a career 67% completion rate with 7.8 yards per attempt when facing the Falcons. Whether this historical consistency can be replicated against Atlanta’s defense this season remains to be seen, particularly given the multifaceted challenges both he and the Falcons face.
Looking Ahead
As the Falcons press on, their schedule offers both challenges and opportunities. Upcoming games against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers present a mixed slate, testing their resilience and ability to capitalize on the weaknesses of similarly struggling teams. Currently, they trail the 7-6 Buccaneers by a single game, underscoring the urgency for a turnaround if they hope to catch Tampa Bay in the divisional race.
The road ahead is fraught with uncertainties, but with young talent waiting in the wings and a defense showing moments of promise, the Falcons have the pieces to build towards future success. Whether they can leverage these elements into victories this season remains an open question, and one that the coming weeks will decisively answer.