Atlanta Falcons face do-or-die stretch as they seek a season revival
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a critical juncture of their season, poised at 3-6 after a disheartening four-game losing streak. With the playoffs seemingly slipping from view, the next three games will prove pivotal. They could either serve as a catalyst for rejuvenation or signify the end of any postseason aspirations.
A New Season Begins
As head coach Raheem Morris prepares to lead his team into this decisive stretch, the urgency is palpable. Following a recent loss to the Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver Darnell Mooney encapsulated the sentiment of the locker room, stating, “We gotta start winning some games. Rah said it, we’re in a playoff atmosphere now. There’s no losing. We gotta figure something out and then let the chips fall where they fall.”
In a league where every game feels crucial, the pressure mounts on Morris, whose record now stands at 11-15 since taking over. The prospect of playoffs feels remote, yet the Falcons remain mathematically alive, clinging to a 9% chance of postseason play as per NFL NextGenStats. A victory could bolster that likelihood to 13%, while a loss would see it plummet to a mere 3%. The situation, while dire, is not without precedent.
The Road Ahead
In the coming weeks, the Falcons will face a trio of opponents with a combined record of just 9-20, a stark contrast to the formidable foes they battled previously—teams that went a combined 16-4 and narrowly defeated them by a total of seven points. This shift in competition could be just what Atlanta needs to regain its footing.
However, the Falcons’ past performances offer little assurance. Earlier this season, they suffered significant defeats against both the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, losing by margins of 30 and 24 points respectively. Those games serve as a reminder of the inconsistency that has plagued this young roster.
A Fresh Start Mentality
Despite the daunting odds, the team is embracing a ‘reset’ mentality, reminiscent of a previous season with the Los Angeles Rams, where Morris served as defensive coordinator. In that locker room, players found a way to redefine their approach to the season. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown reflected on that experience, stating, “We’ve been super honest, our record is what it is, but we have a chance to start 0-0. We’ve just got to win each and every day. We’ve got to have the best practice, walkthroughs, and set ourselves up to just go play free.”
Yet, the parallels between the current Falcons and that Rams team may be superficial at best. The Rams boasted a roster filled with seasoned veterans, including a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and multiple All-Pro players. In contrast, the Falcons have only a few players with postseason experience, with Jake Matthews as the lone Falcon who has tasted playoff success with the team.
Facing the Future
While it may be unrealistic to expect the Falcons to replicate the Rams’ late-season surge, the mindset of treating each game as a fresh start could be instrumental for them. For too long, Atlanta has endured the highs and lows of a roller-coaster season. Embracing a mindset of acceptance and perseverance may serve them well as they navigate this crucial stretch.
As the Falcons prepare for their upcoming games, the weight of their record looms large. Yet, the opportunity to turn the season around still exists. The next few weeks will reveal whether they can harness that potential or if they will succumb to the pressures of a disappointing campaign.
