Atlanta Falcons’ Struggles Continue; Close Contests Define Their Season
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a critical juncture in a season marked by both promise and inconsistency. Despite a competitive front at times this year, the team hasn't managed to secure a victory in their last four outings. In those games, their offense has averaged a modest 14.25 points—a statistic that provides a stark illustration of their recent challenges.
Atlanta's defense, on the other hand, a unit that has demonstrated competence, ranked eighth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play in non-garbage-time moments during Weeks 11 through 13. This indicates that while their offense has been struggling to put points on the board, the defensive side has been holding its ground, keeping the Falcons within striking distance in the majority of their matches.
Of the 13 games Atlanta has contested this season, nine have been decided by a single score heading into the fourth quarter. Such statistics often tell the tale of missed opportunities and what could have been victories slipping away late in the game. This situation mirrors the Falcons’ close standing behind the 7-6 Buccaneers, underscoring just how narrow the margin is in the NFC South race.
Kirk Cousins: A Season of Highs and Lows
Not far from the Falcons' narrative is that of Kirk Cousins, who found himself at the center of attention this past March when he was acquired with a $100 million fully guaranteed contract. The pressure of living up to such a hefty investment has seemingly taken a toll on his performance, especially in recent weeks. Over the last four games, Cousins has thrown eight interceptions without registering a single touchdown—a worrying trend for any quarterback.
His performance in fourth quarters has been particularly scrutinized. Cousins has earned only a 56 passer rating during these critical periods, throwing eight interceptions against just two touchdowns. His completion rate sits at 61.2%, with an average of 6.20 yards per attempt—figures that hint at erratic and inconsistent play under pressure.
However, when Cousins plays in Atlanta, his historical stats tell a slightly different story. Here, he boasts a 67% completion rate with 7.8 yards per attempt, hinting at a level of comfort and proficiency that has not been mirrored in recent performances.
Bright Spots and Future Prospects
Amidst the struggles, there is a glimmer of hope for the Falcons with the inclusion of Michael Penix Jr., the talented quarterback drafted as the No. 8 overall pick last April. His entry in the team signals a forward-looking approach as Atlanta invests in molding a strong core featuring potential future stars.
Looking ahead to their next encounters, the Falcons are set to face off with the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. Given their current standing, each game holds critical importance as Atlanta seeks to shake off its recent slump and notch up the wins necessary to close in on the division leaders.
In summary, the most recent stretch of games underscores the volatile nature of the current season for both the Falcons and Kirk Cousins. The next few weeks will be pivotal as Atlanta endeavors to harness the strength of its defense while seeking offensive rejuvenation. The challenge remains significant, but the potential for a turnaround is very much within reach, echoing the sentiment that in the world of professional football, everything can change in the blink of an eye.