Atlanta Falcons falter once more: missed opportunities mar playoff aspirations
The Atlanta Falcons trudged off the field on a dreary Sunday in New York, their hopes dashed once again as they watched another potential victory slip away. Despite appearing dominant for much of the game against the Jets, the team allowed ten unanswered points, sealing their fate with yet another disappointing loss.
Statistical Superiority Fails to Translate to Victory
In a game where Atlanta outgained New York by a staggering 120 yards and secured nine additional first downs, the Falcons should have felt confident. The standout performance from rookie Bijan Robinson, who racked up nearly 200 scrimmage yards, showcased the team’s potential. However, linebacker Kaden Elliss articulated a sentiment that resonates deeply with the squad’s struggles: the loss is what will linger in memory, overshadowing moments of growth and promise.
“You lose these close ones, and it just sucks,” Elliss lamented. “Every game in the NFL is close. The ability to finish out those close games is really what separates, right? Everybody’s got good players, everybody’s got a good scheme. But it’s what you do in those nine close games?”
A Season Marked by Narrow Defeats
The Falcons have exhibited flashes of brilliance in their victories, such as commanding wins over the Vikings (22-6), Bills (24-14), and Saints (24-10). Yet their losses often leave fans scratching their heads, characterized by missed opportunities and heartbreak.
Through Week 13, Atlanta has suffered four defeats by three points or fewer and has yet to secure a victory in two overtime contests. The team has been on the wrong side of the scoreboard in three of their last four games, all of which came down to the final moments. If they had managed to flip just a couple of those close calls, they would be contending for the division title, instead of facing a daunting 4-8 record and the prospect of missing the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season.
Recurring Issues Undermine Potential
Missed field goals, special teams errors, and failure to convert crucial plays have contributed to a dismal 1-5 record in games decided by a single score. Sunday’s loss was a microcosm of these persistent problems, with all three issues rearing their heads and ultimately costing the Falcons a chance at victory.
“Everybody says it. It is the details. In this game, everybody is still good on both teams, no matter what the record is,” defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus noted. “At the end of the day, we have to be mentally stronger when playing in the rain. We just got to do better overall, and we got to finish—that’s it.”
The Challenge Ahead
Finishing games has been a recurring theme for the Falcons. They have relinquished leads in their last three losses, each time letting a potential victory slip through their fingers. Head coach Raheem Morris remains resolute in his goal to “win” as the season progresses, while Elliss insists the team will continue to fight. However, the reality looms large—the season has likely slipped away.
“It’s just the approach you’ve got to take, you know, go into Monday and try to figure out what you need to do to move forward,” Morris stated. “And we’ll go out there, and we’ll figure out how to beat the Seattle Seahawks.”
As the Falcons left MetLife Stadium, rain clinging to their jerseys, they carried with them the weight of missed opportunities—a fitting metaphor for their season. They have demonstrated the ability to lead and control games, revealing glimpses of their potential. Yet, the struggle to close out those contests has marked the difference between competing for meaningful games in December and once again facing a frustrating end to the season.
