As the Atlanta Falcons navigate the intense waters of the NFL season, the team finds itself at a significant crossroad. With no wins in their last four games, the Falcons are in pursuit of both answers and victories. Analyzing the numbers behind their recent performances provides a stark picture of the challenges they face.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Strengths
Offensively, the Falcons have been unable to muster the dynamism required for consistent success. Scoring an average of only 14.25 points per game over their last four outings highlights the urgency for improvement. This meager output places considerable pressure on the team's defense to perform almost impeccably each game.
In contrast, the Falcons' defense has provided some solace. Their defensive unit ranked eighth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play in non-garbage-time situations between Week 11 and Week 13, showcasing resilience and capability. This defensive fortitude is a beacon of hope for a team otherwise in tumult.
Kirk Cousins: A Quarterback Under Siege
The name Kirk Cousins has long been associated with big-game aspirations. When he was acquired for a colossal $100 million fully guaranteed contract in March, expectations soared. However, his recent performance has raised eyebrows and questions about this investment. Over the past four games, Cousins has thrown an alarming eight interceptions while posting zero touchdowns, a statistic unfathomable for a quarterback of his stature. His fourth-quarter performances have been particularly troublesome, with a passer rating of just 56, alongside two touchdowns and the eight interceptions already mentioned. His completion rate stands at 61.2%, averaging 6.20 yards per attempt in the crucial quarters, indicating room for improvement in high-pressure situations.
Yet, history tells a more balanced narrative when Cousins plays in Atlanta. Historically, he boasts a 67% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt when facing the Falcons away. Meanwhile, his time in Minnesota saw a slightly better performance with a 67.8% completion rate and a 7.6-yard average.
In the Heat of Competition
The Falcons' ability to stay competitive has been evident, if not shown in wins. Nine out of Atlanta's 13 games remained within a single score entering the fourth quarter, illuminating the team's resilience but also its struggle to close out games effectively. As they near the season's final stretch, with upcoming games against formidable opponents like the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers, the onus is on the Falcons to turn narrow challenges into victories.
High Stakes Ahead
Atlanta remains just a game behind the 7-6 Buccaneers, leaving the door ajar for postseason hopes. The Falcons’ aspirations will hinge on adjustments made by both offensive and defensive coordinators to maximize their players’ potential. This includes leveraging the talents of newcomers like Michael Penix Jr., drafted as the No. 8 overall pick last April, whose contributions could be pivotal in the games that follow.
As the season intensifies, the undercurrents of expectation and performance will shape the Falcons' story. In a landscape as competitive and unforgiving as the NFL, every play, every decision, and every fraction of a second can spell the difference between victory and defeat. The Falcons stand at the precipice of what could be a defining moment in their season, with both potential for redemption and the risk of continued decline.