Gang Green Nation
The Falcons are not mathematically eliminated yet, but their starting quarterback is out for the year and an eighth loss of the season to the Jets could put to rest any remaining hopes of staying in the postseason mix.
The Jets have lost five of their last six meetings with the Falcons, beating them just once since 1998 when a rookie named Geno Smith led the Jets on a late drive for a game-winning field goal on national television. Atlanta won a forgettable game 13-8 the last time these teams met.
Let’s break down the Falcons’ roster going position by position:
Quarterbacks
Second-year quarterback Michael Penix has just had season-ending surgery on a partially torn ACL having led the Falcons to a 3-6 record, so they have pivoted back to Kirk Cousins, who went 7-7 as a starter last year but led the league with 16 interceptions.
So far, Cousins has started two games this year. The first was an overtime loss but he led the Falcons to a comfortable 24-10 win over the Saints on Sunday despite throwing a pick-six.
Cousins’ backup is Easton Stick, who has started four NFL games, but lost all of them.
Offensive Line
The Falcons have had good continuity on their offensive line this year as left guard Matthew Bergeron has been the only starter to miss any time. Backup Kyle Hinton started two games in his place.
Veteran left tackle Jake Matthews has started 190 games in 12 years with the Falcons and was a pro bowler in 2018. However, right guard Chris Lindstrom is their best lineman, as he’s been a pro bowler for three straight seasons. Although he’s listed as questionable with a foot injury, it seems likely Lindstrom will play.
The other two starters are center Ryan Neuzil and right tackle Elijah Wilkinson. Wilkinson, who is starting because Kaleb McGary has spent the year on injured reserve, leads the team with nine penalties.
Atlanta also has tackle Michael Jerrell, center Jovaughn Gwyn and seventh round rookie tackle Jack Nelson on their roster.
Running Backs
Bijan Robinson, the former 8th overall pick, went to his first pro bowl last season and is having another big year in 2025. He has over 850 yards, 49 catches and six total touchdowns as he averages five yards per carry.
Stopping Robinson could be the key to the game for the Jets, as Atlanta is 3-0 this year when he has more than 150 yards from scrimmage. They are otherwise 1-7, although the lone win was their most recent game against the Saints.
Tyler Allgeier is a solid change of pace back but he’s been less effective than last season with an average of just 3.6 yards per carry. He has scored eight touchdowns though.
Undrafted rookie Nathan Carter hasn’t played much but has flashed with 60 rushing yards on nine carries.
Pass catchers
The Falcons will be without the injured Drake London on Sunday, which is a problem because their only other wide receiver...
