Atlanta Falcons: Hand off Game to Panthers Lose First Division Game
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Carolina Panthers 20-17 on Sunday in a game that was a great example of what the Falcons are failing to do. Atlanta falls to 4-4 on the season as they head into the toughest part of their schedule.
The Atlanta Falcons were supposed to be one of the best offenses in the League yet again this season but have looked to be anything but. Facing their first division game of the season the Falcons jumped out to a 10-0 lead only to let the Panthers score 20 straight.
While it is not all on the play calling it should be noted that the Falcons continue to get cute and refuse to make the easy calls like running the ball on short yardage downs.
Add in am ugly Julio Jones drop in the endzone and a Matt Ryan pick and this game was sickening to watch after the first quarter. At this point it is fairly obvious that the Falcons have two huge obstacles in their way, themselves, and their offensive play calling.
The 20-17 loss to the Panthers seems to squash the Falcons division hopes putting them two games behind the leading Saints as they head into the toughest part of their schedule. The Falcons will face the Cowboys at home and then the Seahawks on the road.
Winning both of those games has become a must for the Falcon’s playoff and division hopes a tall order for a team that looks unable to get out of their own way.
Defensively the Falcons are playing to the level they should be but failing on all other aspects. While the offense continues to lean on a young defense to keep them in games.
At 4-4 it is officially panic time for the Falcons and their fans this team looks beat mentally despite all the talent they have on the field. The 28-3 memes and Super Bowl collapse is obviously not something that this team has been able to put behind them yet.
Add in poor situational coaching on offense and the Falcons have a mess on their hands as they head home to face the Cowboys. While the season is far from over for the Falcons today’s loss said a lot about where this Falcon’s team is and where they are headed.