The Atlanta Falcons knew they'd have to stop Christian McCaffrey, and they knew they'd need to attack a vulnerable San Francisco linebacker corps and secondary. While there were moments, and even long stretches where the defense held up despite the loss of Divine Deablo, they didn't do any of that on a consistent basis. They lost by failing to do what they knew must be done.
With Ray-Ray McCloud inactive, Sills was the third receiver for much of the game, and did not receive a target while throwing some nice blocks. Casey Washington, who was targeted twice, also was a key blocking option. It's fair to suggest that if Darnell Mooney isn't going to be back, the Falcons have to figure out who they can throw the ball to in this receiving corps outside of Drake London, because neither Sills or Washington seems to be a consistent option in that regard.
Jeff Ulbrich's defense put on an exceptional performance tonight. In total, the team recorded four sacks, two interceptions, and held the Bills to 2-of-9 on third-down conversions. While the offenses flailed in the second half, his defense stood tall, delivering drive after drive and effectively neutralizing the best quarterback in the game. The defense was able to overcome the loss of Billy Bowman due to an outstanding bounce-back performance by Dee Alford,
There are no great post safeties in the NFL anymore. The days of Ed Reed and Earl Thomas are gone. With every passing year, the league trends away from one great center fielder and replaces him with two-deep coverages, those versatile and amorphous blobs of disguise. The honorable days -- the days in which one dauntless defender stood alone, Jon Snow-style, and dared the offense to get past him -- are behind us.
That's because as Robinson and company are preparing for a huge primetime matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Robinson fielded a question from Garrett Chapman at Falcons Sports Illustrated about whether he had been contacted by his alma mater, Oklahoma State, regarding their head coaching vacancy, something that has been rumored for a few weeks now. A simple no would have quelled any further inquiry, but Robinson's response made it seem like the answer is "yes."
Only 57 players-not linemen, players-have appeared in more games than Kenn did during his three decade-spanning career, and only five of those players are offensive linemen. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and a three-time second-team All-pro who started every one of the 251 games he appeared in for the Falcons, and was known for his ability to handle some of the legendary defensive ends of the 70s and 80s.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Falcons fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. It feels good to kick off the Falcons' bye week with a Victory Monday. It feels even better to have a Victory Monday one week removed from one of the team's worst losses in recent memory against the Panthers in Week 3.
ATLANTA -- Darnell Mooney's injury issues continued Sunday, as the Atlanta Falcons ruled out the wide receiver late in the third quarter due to a hamstring issue. Mooney came out of the game against the Washington Commanders due to the injury earlier in the quarter. He had one catch for 15 yards in the first half. Mooney missed all of training camp with a shoulder injury.
The Atlanta Falcons lost 0-30, the offense is flailing, and coaches are being fired. It's only Week 4. The special teams unit can't make a kick or field a kick. It's only Week 4. Zac Robinson and Raheem Morris provided differing quotes when asked about the offense's predictability in their press conferences, which were held only minutes apart. It's only Week 4. The team has set a must-win precedent against the Washington Commanders with its behavior. It's only Week 4.