The Atlanta Falcons have begun their 2019-2020 season with an abysmal record of 1-7. Whether it’s inconsistency on offense or lack of strength on defense, the team has embarrassed the city.
One major issue with the team’s season has been the defense. The team, on average, has allowed 31 points per game which is second to last in the league, only better than the often regarded worst team in NFL history, the current Miami Dolphins. Because of some great individual defensive talent, it would make sense to have a sharper ranking in yards allowed, but the contrary is true. The Falcons are ranked 26th in the league at 388.8 yards per game. Matt Ryan also recently suffered a sprained ankle which kept out of week 8’s contest against the Seahawks, this was his first missed start since 2009.
A lack of aggressiveness on defense has been a major problem this year. The team seems to have lost confidence on this side of the ball, and as a result, they rank in the bottom half of the NFL in pretty much every defensive statistic. This Dan Quinn-run defense needs to get its act together before the Falcons’ playoff chances are completely squashed.
On the offensive side, the team has looked terrible rushing, as it seems every time any of our running backs touch the ball, they get stuffed at the line. The offensive line is definitely to blame for this lack of rushing success, as starting running back Devonta Freeman can make something out of nothing even when given only a little space. The offensive line has also struggled to protect quarterback Matt Ryan, allowing him to be sacked countless times in the first seven games.
Because of this horrendous play, head coach Dan Quinn could be fired as soon as the week 9 bye. Personally I believe we need to part ways with Quinn. What this team needs is a fresh start, a do over. That will happen if the firing takes place.
Although there are many negatives the team is facing, there are some positives to take away from the Falcons’ start to the season. Matt Ryan is having an MVP-caliber season so far as he ranks second among quarterbacks in total yards and first in thrown touchdowns. Because of this great statistical showing from Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Austin Hooper are having great years. The Falcons have some great individual talent on this team like defensive tackle Grady Jarret, who seems to be the only capable player on the defensive side; he also leads the team in sacks.
Another positive to look forward to is that if the Falcons maintain this sort of play, they will have a very high draft pick for the 2020 NFL draft. They could use these draft picks to fill the many holes on the team like the defense and the offensive line.
There is no doubt that the beginning of this season has been rough. However, as Atlanta sports fans, we can’t just look at the negatives. There is a lot to love and be excited about for this team, but it’s going to take some time to put everything together and finally start clicking. The lesson is patience: it’s going to be a painful few years, but once this rebuild is complete, we will be right back to our Super Bowl contending ways.