The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a challenging phase of their NFL season, as they navigate through a series of tough breaks and inconsistent performances on the field. Without a win in their last four games, the Falcons are striving for a reversal of fortunes as they prepare for a crucial stretch against teams like the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers.
Offensive Struggles
Throughout the past month, the Falcons' offense has been stumbling. Averaging only 14.25 points per game over their last four outings, Atlanta's offense is visibly underperforming. This meager output underscores the challenges facing the team as they fight to stay within striking distance of the NFC South leaders. Currently trailing the 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers by one game, these offensive inefficiencies couldn't have come at a worse time for the Falcons.
Beneath these offensive woes lies a promising defensive unit. Atlanta’s defense ranks eighth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play during non-garbage-time instances from Weeks 11 through 13. This statistic reveals a defense capable of rising to the occasion, anchoring the team while awaiting a spark from the offensive side.
Kirk Cousins: A Promising Acquisition Derailed?
Ahead of the season, the acquisition of Kirk Cousins on a $100 million fully guaranteed contract in March signaled the Falcons' intention to heavily invest in revamping their offensive capabilities. However, the recent outings have painted a picture of a quarterback caught in the throes of personal struggles. Cousins has thrown eight interceptions without a single touchdown over the past four games.
The troubles facing Cousins are most pronounced in the fourth quarters, where his performances have been markedly underwhelming. With a passer rating of just 56, marked by two touchdowns and eight interceptions, Cousins’ late-game inefficiency is hindering the Falcons’ capacity to close out tightly contested matches—a situation emphasized by the team experiencing nine of their 13 games decided by a single score entering the final quarter.
Surprisingly, Cousins’ historical statistics reveal a quarterback accustomed to higher efficiency. In previous matchups in Atlanta, he has managed a 67% completion rate with an average of 7.8 yards per attempt, while in Minnesota, he demonstrated a similar proficiency with a completion rate of 67.8% and 7.6 yards per attempt. These figures highlight the potential for Cousins to rebound, given the proper adjustments and support.
The Future Looks Promising with Young Talent
On the brighter side, the Falcons have placed their hopes in the promising capabilities of Michael Penix Jr., who was selected as the No. 8 overall pick in last April’s draft. His presence in the squad suggests a long-term strategy aimed at cultivating young talent to steer the Falcons out of their current rut and into a competitive sphere in the seasons to come.
As the Falcons approach the remaining games against teams such as the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers, the focus remains on regrouping and creating momentum. Each matchup holds the potential to redefine Atlanta's floundering season, propelling them back into contention in a competitive NFC South.[/p>
Such efforts, however, will require synchronization among Cousins, the offensive line, and the spirited defense to address inconsistencies and capitalize on opportunities. Fans and analysts alike wait eagerly to see if the Falcons can channel their latent potential into tangible success on the field. As they rally to break the string of losses, the Atlanta Falcons' journey ahead is one laced with both peril and promise.