In recent weeks, the Atlanta Falcons have found themselves in murky waters with a string of four consecutive games without a victory. The slumping performance has been particularly evident in their offensive play, where the team has averaged a mere 14.25 points per contest over this difficult stretch. As the Falcons aim to regain their footing, the coming weeks against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers are crucial, especially as they trail just one game behind the 7-6 Buccaneers in their division.
Offensive Struggles Continue
The lackluster offensive output has sparked concerns for fans and analysts alike. The Falcons' offense seems to be spiraling, struggling to put points on the board with regularity. Known for their potential of high-octane plays, their performance in recent games has vexed attempts at dominance on the field.
However, on a brighter note, the defense has shown promise. Between Week 11 and Week 13, the Falcons' defense ranked eighth in Expected Points Added per play during non-garbage-time moments, a sign that the team can still sustain pressure on opponents. The ability to make stops and create opportunities for the offense will be fundamental if Atlanta hopes to close the gap on the Buccaneers and make a playoff push.
Kirk Cousins Under the Microscope
The saga of Kirk Cousins with his blockbuster $100 million fully guaranteed contract signed in March has drawn its own set of headlines. Unfortunately, Cousins' recent performances have done little to justify the investment. Over the span of the last four games, Cousins has thrown eight interceptions with zero touchdowns, struggling particularly in the crunch moments of fourth quarters.
Cousins holds a passer rating of 56 in the deciding period of games, having only completed 61.2% of his passes and averaging just 6.20 yards per attempt. Despite his underwhelming performances, Cousins has historically performed robustly when playing in Atlanta with a 67% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt. Such statistics hint at the potential for resurgent performance, should he stabilize under pressure.
Yet, the expectations on Cousins should heave slightly, considering his previous track record in Minnesota, where he held a similar completion rate of 67.8% but with a 7.6-yard average. His proclivity for turnover during clutch moments remains an area of concern for coaching staff and fans who yearn for execution and precision.
Looking Forward
With nine of their thirteen games this season being within a single score entering the fourth quarter, the Falcons must fine-tune their approach to convert narrow contests into victories. Atlanta must coalesce all elements of their squad—both offense and defense—to finish strong in upcoming fixtures. The responsibility also lies in the hands of Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall draft pick, drafted last April by the Falcons to inject vigor and reliability into their lineup.
Penix’s newfound transition to the league has yet to showcase its full potential, and as he continues his rookie campaign, the pressure mounts for him to contribute effectively, helping uplift a promising yet inconsistent Falcons offense. As the season unfolds, the collective hopes hinge on whether these young talents can translate their skills into on-field success for an eager Atlanta fanbase.
The team faces a critical set of matchups in the coming weeks. Whether the Falcons can dust off their past missteps and make a late-season charge remains to be seen. The resolve of their stars and the emerging youth will crucially determine Atlanta's path forward. For now, the focus remains on steady improvement, aligning potential with performance to write a new chapter in their season's narrative.