Atlanta Falcons: 4 Observations from 49ers Loss

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi

This Team Needs a Bye

“You can’t always get what you want”. Sometimes you don’t even “get what you need.” The Atlanta Falcons needed a bye in the worst way possible, as this team is losing its edge rapidly. If the Falcons had their way, they probably would have wanted their bye after Week 7’s pedestrian win over the Titans in Nashville, 10-7. They’ll have to settle for a Week 10 bye.

6-3 is still a remarkable record entering the bye since this was only a 6-10 team last year. That being said, it will take 10 wins to get into the NFC Playoffs. With the undefeated Carolina Panthers on the schedule twice, Atlanta will be lucky to win either of those games against the best team in the NFC.

The injuries became obvious in the fourth quarter, particularly when the Atlanta Falcons needed to get the ball back, down a point inside of three minutes. Say what you will about Quinn’s decision to not go for it on fourth down, but the defense was playing well yesterday. It just didn’t have that extra gear to put up one more stop.

Next: Atlanta Falcons Stumble at San Francisco, 17-16

Health isn’t on Atlanta’s side at the moment. Not having WR Leonard Hankerson or SS William Moore hurt on Sunday. Though other players stepped up, there wasn’t enough depth for the Atlanta Falcons to play fresh late in the fourth quarter. The healthier the Atlanta Falcons are for their Week 11 home game versus the Indianapolis Colts, the better. Thank goodness for the bye. Rise Up!