Falcons Face Challenges as Season Draws to a Close
As the NFL season progresses, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves navigating a challenging period, grappling with a four-game stretch devoid of victories. During this time, the Falcons' offense has managed to average only 14.25 points per game, highlighting struggles on the offensive front that may be pivotal to their recent lackluster performances.
Defensive Strength Amidst Offensive Struggles
While the Falcons' offense seems to be in a rut, their defense has displayed moments of resilience and proficiency. Notably, between Week 11 and Week 13, Atlanta’s defense ranked eighth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play during non-garbage-time moments. This performance underscores a capable defensive unit keeping games competitive, even when the offensive efforts fall short.
Interestingly, nine of the Falcons’ 13 games this season have been within a single score as they entered the fourth quarter. This statistic illustrates the team's ability to remain contenders late into games, likely due in part to their defensive strengths.
Cousins' Costly Slump
On the other side of the ball, Kirk Cousins, who was acquired with a $100 million fully guaranteed contract in March, has experienced a surprisingly tumultuous period. In his last four games, Cousins has surprisingly thrown eight interceptions while failing to secure any touchdowns. This troubling trend extends into his fourth-quarter performances, where he holds a 56 passer rating and has completed only two touchdowns against eight interceptions. His fourth quarter completion rate stands at 61.2% with an average of 6.20 yards per attempt, highlighting difficulties in maintaining offensive momentum in crucial moments.
Despite these recent struggles, Cousins' career statistics in Atlanta paint a different picture. Historically, he boasts a 67% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt when playing in Atlanta. His boasting a completion rate of 67.8% and a 7.6-yard average during his time in Minnesota suggests potential for future improvement, should he rediscover his form.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
Looking ahead, the Falcons face a demanding series of fixtures against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. As they prepare for these crucial games, they are trailing the 7-6 Buccaneers by just one game. This situation sets a dramatic stage for a potential division rivalry climax as the season progresses.
In the midst of these challenges, the Falcons have reason to be hopeful with the development of Michael Penix Jr., drafted as the No. 8 overall pick last April. His performance could be instrumental in invigorating the stagnant offense, potentially providing the spark that the Falcons desperately need to mount a comeback in the latter part of the season.
The Falcons' journey through the remainder of the season is teeming with high stakes and significant challenges. As they aim to reverse their fortunes and leverage their defensive prowess, the performance of key players like Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. will likely dictate their trajectory in the race to the playoffs.