The Atlanta Falcons couldn't pull out the win in the final moments of primetime for the second week in a row. While you always want to win, the Falcons showed a lot of heart by staying in this one. They dealt with injuries, bad refs, and the league's best QB/coaching combo. Here's Week 3's Good, Bad, and Ugly.
Good
Wide Receiver Room
The Falcons only play three wide receivers, and that's all they need. After an offseason of concern surrounding the WR2 role, Darnell Mooney looks like a legit second option and Z receiver. After a slow start in Week 1, Drake London leads the team in targets and has a touchdown in back-to-back games. Then there's the team's new spark plug, Ray-Ray McCloud, who has had at least one 18+ yard play in each game.
The wide receiver room isn't perfect, but they've proven they give this team enough to compete and win. This room has only begun to peak. Kirk Cousins will continue to build chemistry, and then we'll see what this group can do.
starting to notice a theme? pic.twitter.com/sxTBRyafJP
— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) September 23, 2024
Bijan Robinson's blocking
It's almost indescribable how much of a difference there is in Bijan Robinson's blocking. In 2023, the top 10 pick showed few weaknesses, but the most obvious was his pass protection. Bijan has responded by dropping his own Not Like Us mixtape, and now all-22 junkies and analysts are playing it on repeat. Robinson added another highlight blitz pick-up to his collection, but he's also showing he can get the job done as a run blocker. Robinson helped lead the way on McCloud's 20-yard end around.
This new tool in the back's Bag of Holding has made it nearly impossible to take him off the field. While his teammates' blocking ultimately let the running back down, he was able to pave the way to success for his teammates all night.
Bad
Offensive Line Health
The Falcons lost Drew Dalman and Kaleb McGary on the same drive in the second quarter. The team made a valiant effort, but the injuries proved too much. The interior of the line started losing at the point of attack, and the team did everything they could to avoid running to the right side. Injuries on the line are always trying, but when you run a zone-based scheme like the Falcons, cohesive movement is a requirement for success.
Working in the new rhythm of backups Ryan Neuzil and Storm Norton will take time. The good news is McGary is listed as day-to-day with his MCL sprain, although I'm doubtful we will see him against the New Orleans Saints. Dalman unfortunately suffered a high ankle sprain, which takes time and can be easily reinjured. The Falcons started to get things going in the fourth quarter again, and hopefully, a week of practice will help the group gel in time for the conclusion of hate week.
Dee Alford
It was a brutal game for the slot corner– Dee Alford was targeted nine times and gave up all of them for 69 yards while allowing a team-high passer rating of 138.2 when targeted. The undrafted free agent hasn't been playing up to the level fans have become accustomed to. Alford has given up a team-high in receptions (15), passer rating (137.2), and yards (119).
One has to wonder if the switch to a zone-heavy defense has had a negative effect on the player. It's not always an easy adjustment, and the Falcons ran man coverage at a heavy rate during Alford's time here. Atlanta needs to consider playing Antonio Hamilton or Clark Phillips.
so uhh dee alford gave up a team leading 9 targets for 9 cathces, 69 yards & 2 tds while allowing a passer rating of 138.2. not ideal.
— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) September 23, 2024
first TD looks like man and he loses the angle on Rice. second TD he's late passing of the WR when he leaves his zone & is late to pick juju up pic.twitter.com/ZtSNc301DK
Ugly
3rd Down Execution
The Falcons have gone 2/9 on third down in all three games this year and have the second-worst conversion rate in the league, 22.2%. That metric has to improve if the Falcons want to continue to compete. The offense has been bailed out by the defense in every game so far, but that's not sustainable. The Falcons lost the time-of-possession battle against all of their opponents, and the defense has been spending too much time on the field.
If this continues into the season, the group is going to be worn down. Some failures come from a lack of execution, and others are just bad calls. Either way, Zac Robinson will need to figure out a way to improve the team's third-down conversion rate.
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