The Falcoholic
The Atlanta Falcons have lost five in a row, and now starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is likely missing the rest of the season. Here’s the Week 11, 3 up and 3 down.
Pearce has now had sacks in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. Pearce has one of the best pressure rates (11.7%, 3rd best) in his draft class and is now converting those into sacks. He’s the complementary pass rusher that the Falcons have been missing. Too often, we would see a QB pressed in the pocket but able to escape unscathed.
Now with talent on both edges, we’re seeing those opportunities shrink for opposing quarterbacks. Atlanta needs to be able to get home with four, and if both Walker and Pearce keep improving, that could soon become a reality.
London has been dealing with a back issue this year, and it’s easy to see why. He’s the entire passing attack, and he’s still blocking his butt off in the run game. Panthers defenders were beside themselves after being bullied for the whole first half.
Unfortunately, with Cousins’ return, the lack of success throwing to London came with him. The receiver is now out with an PCL sprain, and at this stage of the season, proceeding with caution is the best call for the team’s top receiver.
Orhorhoro has been tasked with a lot of dirty work this year due to the team’s lack of a true nose tackle. When lined up in the B-gap, Orhorhoro has flashed the talent that made the team trade up for him.
The Panthers struggled to run the ball at their normal, efficient rate, and Orhororo was a big reason why. It was a promising step forward for a defense that needs to get better run defense out of its interior players.
It was a brutal game for the preseason standout, who was thrust into the starting cornerback role opposite of AJ Terrell. Brooks did make a few solid plays, but the turnover as a returner and burnt toast highlights are all anyone will remember. It was a tough spot for the UDFA to be in, and the Panthers took advantage of it.
Cornerback depth was a noted issue going into the offseason, like the linebacker room, it was seemingly an injury away from disaster. Hopefully Hughes can return healthy, or the team could turn to UDFA Cobee Bryant and see what they’ve got now that playoffs are out of the question.
Penix is not here because of his play; it was one of his best starts of the season. He’s here because of something completely out of his control: his health. Penix is heading to IR as the team waits to confirm the severity of his knee injury. He’ll now be missing at least five games...
