Oct 25, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Atlanta Falcons players celebrate after an interception to end the game during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Falcons won 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Penalties Nearly Cost Us, Interceptions Thankfully Saved Us
When a football team isn’t performing at its optimal level on the gridiron, one has to identify the reason for a lack of success on the field. It varies game by game, but if there was one area that held the Atlanta Falcons back on Sunday it was untimely penalties, especially on the offensive side of the football.
Like in Week 1’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, penalties on offense prevented the Falcons from taking control of the game. Wide receiver pick plays hurt the team in Week 1. In Week 7, a plethora of holding penalties eliminated nearly all the Atlanta Falcons’ big plays.
It seemed like every time RBDevonta Freemanwas about to break off an explosive play from the backfield, either LTJake Matthewsor LGAndy Levitrewere there for an untimely hold. WRRoddy Whitehad a poorly timed penalty that cost Freeman a 40-yard run.
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Even OLBO’Brien Schofield‘s blatant block in the back on MLBPaul Worrilow‘s lengthy interception return near halftime cost the Atlanta Falcons aMatt Bryantfield goal opportunity. The lack of discipline prevented the Falcons from getting into any rhythm offensively.
ThoughMatt Ryandid throw a pair of putrid picks in this game, the defense did come through to intercept two of Tennessee QBZach Mettenberger‘s passes. Worrilow’s in the end zone near halftime gave the sleepy Atlanta Falcons a jolt on defense. FSRobenson Therezie‘s game-sealing pick inside of two minutes allowed the Falcons to escape Nashville with a Music City victory.
While I continue to love how the defense always seems to find a way to bail the team out in the most crucial of moments, I would have really loved to see the Atlanta Falcons lay a beatdown on one of the worst teams in the NFL on their home turf. Remember 6-1 is still 6-1.
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