The Falcoholic
The Atlanta Falcons knew they’d have to stop Christian McCaffrey, and they knew they’d need to attack a vulnerable San Francisco linebacker corps and secondary. While there were moments, and even long stretches where the defense held up despite the loss of Divine Deablo, they didn’t do any of that on a consistent basis. They lost by failing to do what they knew must be done.
It continues a frustrating theme for this Falcons team, which seems incapable of stringing together more than a couple of quality games. After gritting out a win over the Commanders and dominating the Bills, they looked listless from the beginning against San Francisco, allowing McCaffrey to run all over them, failing to deliver consistent pressure, and allowing a handful of big, teeth-grinding passing plays. That was from the better side of the ball, too, as the Falcons offense once again disappeared when it needed to be great, managing a field goal drive and one impressive short field score with a heavy dose of Bijan Robinson. That was it, as otherwise the offense featured lots of missed opportunities, stymied throws, pressures allowed, and mistakes.
That added up to a 10 point loss where the Falcons only scored 10 points, a disconcerting habit of theirs this year. The defense was poor by their standards but was not terrible, and I feel confident in saying the Falcons can’t win many games against quality teams if their offense is going to continue to be staid, predictable, and error-prone. At some point, it has to change, but until we see that happen for more than a game or two, retain your healthy skepticism. Otherwise you’ll be burned, as many of us were again tonight.
Here’s the full drive-by-drive recap of the game you just watched, if you can stomach it.
The Falcons got the ball first, and Jamal Agnew’s return only got to the 23. Bijan Robinson picked up five yards on first down. Michael Penix Jr. was flushed out of the pocket on second down, rolled out, and tried to hit a sideline shot to Kyle Pitts but missed. On third down, the Falcons threw it to Bijan but came up a little short. Punt, and Skyy Moore was taken down at the 15 yard line.
Mac Jones was sacked on first down by Zach Harrison. Christian McCaffrey then found a seam and picked up seven yards. A quick pass to McCaffrey from Jones went for a first down. Brian Robinson Jr. then took a toss and picked up nine yards before Kaden Elliss got him. Robinson then rumbled through the middle for about ten yards. Jones then hit Luke Farrell for another first down. Mac Jones dirted it on first down with the pass rush closing in. McCaffrey then picked up a couple of yards. Jones under pressure missed Jauan Jennings. Punt.
Bijan was eaten alive on first down for no gain. Penix then hit Darnell Mooney for a first down. Then Penix hit...
