ATLANTA, GA— If you thought the Atlanta Falcons’ season couldn’t get any more worse, take another look. Allowing 37 points, five sacks and fumbling five times, the Falcons lost their fifth game in a row to the Rams by a score of 37-10. Since the Falcons’ Super-Bowl run back in the 2016-17 season, they have been on a downward path. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles the following year in the divisional round of the playoffs, who would then eventually become that year’s Super Bowl champion. Last year, they finished the season with a record of 7-9. This year, they are on a five-game losing streak and have progressively gotten worse, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
“There’s a level of accountability for all of us to measure up to, and we didn’t meet that,” says head coach Dan Quinn after the game. “We’re disappointed for our fans today. We’re going to work like crazy to play like we are capable of, but disappointing and frustrating for all of us involved today.
Atlanta has a record of 18-20 since its infamous Super Bowl collapse against the New England Patriots three seasons ago back in Houston, TX. Before this season started, Quinn fired defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel and took over the defensive play-calling duties himself in what was supposed to be a move of improvement. So far, it has produced one of the worst defenses in the league and a 1-6 record.
“My job is to look at the big picture and see if there’s things we can do to change that, and we actually started some of that during Arizona last week. I’m always looking to see during the game who can help on the play calling and inside of that. We’ve distributed that some in Arizona and this week as well. I’m always looking to do what’s best for the team in every situation, every time. We’ve already begun some of that. ‘How can I apply myself in other ways?’ We’ve certainly done that, too.”
Against the Rams today, the Falcons only totaled three QB hits without any sacks. So far on the season, they only have 25 QB hits to go with five sacks and are currently sitting at 31st in the entire league for points against. Last year, they were ranked 25th in that category. The Falcons can’t get to the quarterback, let alone prevent teams from moving the ball and are progressively getting worse. Defensively, they just weren’t able to get off the field as the Rams gained nine first downs on the ground against them and had a possession time total of 37:09.
The defense has allowed over 110 points in the last three games, which is highly unacceptable.
They were visibly sloppy across the field in the secondary, missing assignments and unable to make tackles. The Falcons have all but lost hope for this season, while Quinn is on the hot seat like never before.
“I’ll answer the first one as a lost season, no, I never think you’re out of the fight. You shouldn’t think that way as a team member, and I certainly don’t think that way as the coach. I recognize that when you don’t play well, those are fair questions, but I don’t feel like we’re ever out of the fight, and until we do like we’re capable of, my fight would always stay consistent.”
Quinn thinks they’re still in the fight, but he may not be apart of it much longer considering the bye week is near. That’s where it would make the most sense for a potential change in leadership.
Written by Ernie Casanova
