"In a different world, Atlanta might be in the thick of the playoff race right now. The Falcons have been close to a much better season this year. Their kickers have missed a field goal that would have pushed the first game against the Buccaneers into overtime and an extra point that would have tied the one-point loss to the Patriots."
"Atlanta approached this offseason like it was a pass rush away from being playoff contenders, and it was wrong -- but not because of the defense. James Pearce Jr. is making a late surge for Defensive Player of the Year, and the Falcons have a 9.4% sack rate, the third-best mark in the NFL. They're blitzing at the second-highest rate in the league, which obviously helps create"
Atlanta narrowly missed turning several close losses into wins after missed kicking opportunities and consecutive overtime defeats, leaving the team just short of playoff contention. The offseason focus on adding a pass rusher has paid defensive dividends: James Pearce Jr. is surging for Defensive Player of the Year, and the Falcons boast a 9.4% sack rate (third in the NFL) while blitzing at the second-highest rate. Significant roster decisions complicate the outlook: GM Terry Fontenot traded a 2026 first-round pick to acquire Pearce, signed Kirk Cousins, and drafted Michael Penix Jr.; Cousins was later benched and now serves as a costly backup.
Read at The Falcoholic
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