While there is no shortage of Atlanta Falcons to blame for last week's 20-10 loss, it isn't difficult to point to the biggest problem. Take away Bijan Robinson in the ground game, and the Falcons have no counterpunch. Having so little creativity leaves the defense no room to fear anything other than one of the league's most dynamic playmakers and the story in each of Atlanta's previous two losses is the same. Load up the box and force someone other than Robinson to make a play.
It is a simplistic approach that one would think Zac Robinson and Raheem Morris would be better prepared for. Instead, the offense falls apart and lacks anything close to an identity. Making it clear that Robinson's talent is, in a very limited way, working against the Falcons. The needed defensive and special teams performance are in place for this team to, at the very least, be in possession of a wildcard. Instead, the Falcons are out of the playoff race, sitting at 3-3 due to the inability to find any creative answers.
Falcons Continue to Fail to Adjust When Bijan Robinson Cannot Carry Atlanta's Offense
One answer that seems simplistic for a team that has the walking mismatches that are Kyle Pitts and Drake London is running slants and running the ball between the tackles with Tyler Allgeier. Both will do a lot to soften up the defensive front and move the chains and it's better than eaning on the same predictable 3-4 plays that the defense is ultra-focused which simply aren't working.
This isn't just about a Week 7 loss, but understanding the need to make further adjustments to turn the season around. If the Falcons are going to make a meaningful run this season, there must be an understanding that your star running back cannot be your only source of offense.
In some ways, it is an ironic problem for Atlanta fans who lived through the Arthur Smith era, a head coach who refused the give Bijan the ball consistently. Now, the offense has gone from one extreme to the other, unable to create anything with a level of consistency unless the star back is creating big plays.
Making it clear that adjustments must be made this week, realizing that the opposing defense fears only one player on the field right now. As much as London might have the respect of his peers, there is little fear of Atlanta's passing game. As quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues to attempt to establish middle-of-the-field throws, defenses feel free to play man and load the box, focusing all attention on shutting down Atlanta's best playmaker.
This is a concept that is simplistic and yet the Falcons are yet to offer a viable counter. It's something that must change over the next two weeks of the season if Atlanta is going to get a tired fan base to buy in. Even as talented as Robinson might be, the Falcons must come up with a secondary identity or this season will end in familiar fashion.