Atlanta Falcons Struggle for Consistency Amidst Offensive and Defensive Highs
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a challenging phase this season, grappling with a string of disappointing performances that have left them victory-less over their last four outings. As the Falcons continue to navigate the complexities of a tough NFL season, they face mounting pressure to recalibrate and find their winning form.
Offensive Woes
The Falcons' struggles have been particularly pronounced on the offensive side of the ball. Over the past four games, the team has averaged a mere 14.25 points per game. This lack of offensive firepower has significant implications for their ability to compete in tightly contested matchups, especially when their defense has managed to hold its ground.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Falcons have managed to remain competitive. Notably, nine out of Atlanta’s 13 games have been within a single score as they entered the fourth quarter. This statistic highlights a crucial area where the Falcons need to improve—the ability to close games and turn close contests into victories.
Defense Holds the Line
While the offense has faltered, the Falcons' defense has shown resilience and strength. Between Week 11 and Week 13, Atlanta’s defense was ranked eighth in Expected Points Added per play during non-garbage-time situations. This demonstrates the defense’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses and keep the games competitive. However, their efforts have yet to translate into wins.
Kirk Cousins’ Rocky Form
On the other side of the ball, Kirk Cousins has been struggling with consistency. Acquired with a $100 million fully guaranteed contract in March, Cousins was expected to bring leadership and stability. Instead, over the past four games, he has thrown a concerning eight interceptions and failed to secure a single touchdown. This underwhelming performance is compounded by his difficulty in the decisive fourth quarters, where his passer rating stands at a disappointing 56.
Cousins has two fourth-quarter touchdowns against eight interceptions, with a completion rate of 61.2% and an average of 6.20 yards per attempt. These figures suggest difficulties in maintaining composure and effectiveness during the critical final phase of games.
Historically, Cousins has performed better in Atlanta with a 67% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt, compared to his time in Minnesota, where he recorded a slightly better completion rate of 67.8% and a 7.6-yard average. These past performances highlight the potential for Cousins to rediscover his form, should the conditions favor a resurgence.
Looking Forward
The road ahead for the Falcons is challenging, with matches against formidable opponents like the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. The team trails the 7-6 Buccaneers by just one game, making every upcoming matchup crucial in their quest to secure a better standing in the division.
One hopeful element for the Falcons is the promise shown by Michael Penix Jr., drafted as the No. 8 overall pick last April. His development and integration into the team's system could provide the spark needed to revitalize their on-field fortunes.
As the season progresses, the Falcons will need to address their offensive inefficiencies while leveraging their defensive capabilities. The potential is present, and as the team works to align their performances, they remain a watchable entity in the NFL landscape.
For the Falcons, the challenge is to translate close contests into wins, utilize their defensive strengths, and see improvement from Kirk Cousins' performance. If they can achieve this, they may yet alter their current trajectory and finish the season on a more positive note.