Falcons Grapple with Challenges Amidst Offensive Struggles
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a precarious position as they aim to navigate the remainder of the season with a shot at reaching nine wins. However, their current trajectory paints a challenging picture. Over their last four games, the Falcons have notched zero victories, a streak that's unraveling their hopes in the competitive landscape.
Offense has been the Achilles' heel for Atlanta, averaging merely 14.25 points per contest during this stretch. This underperformance has cast a shadow over a team otherwise showing glimpses of competitive play, particularly with a defense that ranked eighth in Expected Points Added per play in the crucial, non-garbage-time moments between Week 11 and Week 13.
Kirk Cousins: A Mixed Bag
Kirk Cousins, acquired with significant investment—$100 million fully guaranteed in March—has been under intense scrutiny. Known for his precision passing, Cousins' recent stats tell a different tale. Over the past four games, he has thrown an alarming eight interceptions while failing to secure a single touchdown. His struggles were most notably on display in their upset against the Vikings, where the Falcons fell 42-21.
In fourth quarters, Cousins' performance declines further. He sits with a 56 passer rating, throwing two touchdowns compared to an unwieldy eight interceptions. His completion rate dwindles to 61.2% with a modest 6.20 yards per attempt during these critical periods.
Closer Than They Appear
Intriguingly, the Falcons’ season is not without competitiveness. Nine out of Atlanta's 13 bouts up to now have been within a single score as they entered the fourth quarter. Such close games suggest potential that’s yet to fully manifest into victories.
Kirk Cousins has historically been a solid performer in Atlanta, marking a 67% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt. His track record in Minnesota was also reliable, where he documented a 67.8% completion rate with a 7.6-yard average. However, these figures have not translated into recent success for the Falcons.
Turning the Tide with Fresh Talent
The Falcons' strategy to reinvigorate their offense saw the drafting of Michael Penix Jr. as the No. 8 overall pick last April, indicating a commitment to securing a more dynamic future. While Cousins remains central to their immediate plans, the team's ceiling appears capped at nine wins for the 2024 season if trends persist.
The remaining contests against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers offer a mix of challenges and opportunities. Securing victories in these matchups could yet provide Atlanta a path to reclaim contention.
Down to the Wire
As the Falcons sit a game back of the 7-6 Buccaneers, their journey towards the close of the season is more than just a test of skill; it's a battle against time and odds. The narrative of their season could hinge on a rally in these concluding stages, needing nothing short of resilience and perhaps a spark of brilliance from Cousins, whose past achievements still hint at potential redemption.
In all, the Falcons are striving to find coherence and spark amid a season that's demanded much and offered little in return. Their destiny remains unwritten, awaiting a new chapter that may yet change their fortunes on the field.