#atlanta-falcons

#atlanta-falcons

Five straight losses, essentially kicked out of the playoff picture before Toyotathon begins, swept by the Carolina Panthers for the first time since 2013, and potentially lost both the young, developing quarterback and top ten receiver to injury. This is a new low for the Raheem Morris era of Falcons football. Everyone should be calling for Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot's head as they exit the stadium.

Making things spicier this year: the Falcons' 2026 first-round pick now belongs to the Los Angeles Rams after Atlanta moved up for EDGE James Pearce Jr. Pearce's first full sack last week was one of the sparks that kept Atlanta in the fight against a strong Colts team, even if the defense also surrendered the most rushing yards in a single game in franchise history.

At this point, Arthur Blank will have to force Raheem Morris to make an in-season change for it to happen. Morris did not let go of Jimmy Lake last year during the season despite having to take a more hands-on role in the defense, which had ruined the fortunes of previously productive players like Nate Landman and Dee Alford, and it's doubtful he'll do so with Zac Robinson either. This is a man who hand-picked these coaches and has a reputation for loyalty; I'm sure firing Ike Hilliard earlier this year and Lake after last season was painful enough for him.

The defense keeps stacking sacks - seven in this game - and everyone is getting in on the fun. Nate Ollie was touted in the offseason as a big addition, and I'd argue he's the most impactful hire they made. Not only has Ollie gotten instant results from his rookie edge rushes, but he's also getting the most out of the veterans and the crop of young defenders who were going to waste. Leave it to the Falcons to be second in the league in sacks and not any closer to a winning season.

The Atlanta Falcons will be facing an uphill climb to get their running game back on track against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. They are down at least one starter on their offensive line, left guard Matthew Bergeron, and may be down another with right guard Chris Lindstrom listed as questionable. Coupled with the continued reliance on backup right tackle Elijah Wilkinson, the Falcons' offensive line will face their biggest challenge of the season in Germany on Sunday morning.

The Atlanta Falcons are on their third kicker of the 2025 campaign. Per NFL insider Mike Garafolo, the team has brought on kicker Zane Gonzalez. The veteran spent part of 2024 with the Washington Commanders, hitting 5 of 7 field goal tries and all 19 extra point attempts, but had previously not kicked in an NFL game since 2021. The corresponding move is, inevitably, Atlanta cutting ties with Parker Romo.

Walker put it all together as an edge defender in this game. He was stout against the run and lived in the backfield all game (anything else that happened was woke, off-ball nonsense). The time out clearly did him good; his lower-body explosiveness was noticeable. Walker was considered a project on draft night; he's been learning and playing a more defined position and has improved every game.

The Atlanta Falcons should've won that game and made a gorgeous autumn day in New England that much more enjoyable. I know that, you know that, the Patriots know that. They have to be letting out of a sigh of relief in Massachusetts today, given how close the margin was, while the Falcons pick up the pieces of yet another loss.

Stop me if you've heard this one: the Falcons blew it late in the fourth quarter against the Patriots, missing a game-tying PAT and shooting themselves in the foot on their final offensive series to lose 24-23. Kevin Knight and Allen Strk break down the loss, the puzzling decision to stick with Parker Romo, more offensive frustrations, a laundry list of offensive line injuries, and more. Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to another episode of The Falcoholic Live!

Boy, the Falcons have really done it to themselves yet again. After a high energy win against the Buffalo Bills which reinvigorated the fanbase was followed with a disappointing defeat in San Francisco, Atlanta laid an absolute egg against a porous Dolphins team that had seemingly nothing going right for them. Now, the Birds sit at 3-4, in the middle of a highly competitive NFC, with their season in danger of slipping away right as the first winds of cold have arrived at our doorstep.

Penix might be the biggest winner from yesterday. That was the worst defense the Falcons have played by a long shot, and the offense couldn't get anything going. Moving forward, fans need to understand that grading Penix in this offense requires a curve. He definitely has bad plays where blame can't be shifted, but he's not anchoring this group. Based on what we saw yesterday, he's been keeping them afloat more times than not.

The Falcons hit rock bottom in a blowout loss to the Dolphins in Week 8. Kevin Knight and Tre'Shon Diaz break down the film, discussing systematic issues with the offense, questions about Raheem Morris' leadership, and trying to figure out why Jeff Ulbrich has so much faith in JD Bertrand. Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to another episode of the Dirty Birds and Brews podcast!

JD Bertrand looks like he doesn't belong out there, and given that the committee Jeff Ulbrich discussed hasn't materialized, that's been a major problem for the defense. The Falcons have talked up Bertrand's ability and effort in the past and clearly like the young linebacker, but if they're going to rely on him, they need better. What's causing this performance, and can he be salvaged?

In fact, the former second-round pick has been a trade target since the preseason, although the Falcons haven't shown any desire to trade him up to this point. Fowler notes that Atlanta's front office will listen to offers on any players, leading the reporter to believe Ebiketie could be had for the right price. Ebiketie appeared to be a foundational piece as recently as last season.

There's been a feeling of the Falcons hitting rock bottom continually since 2019. It started with a 1-7 start that season, followed by losing the first five games in 2020, leading to the firings of Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff. While 2021 was a rebuilding year, the season opener at home against Philadelphia ended in a 32-6 defeat. That's not how you want to start a new era with Arthur Smith.