Atlanta Falcons collapse: A startling descent from playoff aspirations to the NFL’s lower tier
It feels almost surreal to recall the moment when the Atlanta Falcons stood at a respectable 3-2, basking in the glow of consecutive victories against formidable opponents. Those wins, coming against the Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills, seemed to signal a promising season ahead. Fast forward, and the Falcons have stumbled to a disheartening 1-6 record since that hopeful point.
Power Rankings Take a Hit
The crumbling performance has not gone unnoticed in the league. NFL Network analyst Eric Edholm, echoing the sentiments of frustrated Falcons fans, has sharply adjusted his Week 14 NFL Power Rankings. After the initial triumph over the Bills, Edholm had placed the Falcons at No. 17, suggesting that their season momentum had taken a positive turn. However, following yet another heartbreaking loss—one that was filled with missed opportunities—Atlanta has plummeted to No. 24.
“It’s astonishing how quickly this team has fallen apart since that post-bye win over Buffalo, even with all the injuries,” Edholm noted, highlighting the unexpected downturn in the Falcons’ fortunes.
Another Disappointing Game
In their latest outing, the team faced the New York Jets, where Kirk Cousins showcased solid passing skills, and Bijan Robinson turned in a standout statistical performance. Despite controlling the clock and committing a season-low one penalty, the Falcons still found themselves on the losing end. Edholm remarked on the predictability of their downfall, pointing out, “Third downs and special teams have been the most consistent chinks in the Falcons’ armor.”
Statistically, the Atlanta defense ranks 19th in third-down efficiency, while their offense is struggling at 29th, converting only 33%. This was evident in their performance against the Jets, where they finished 4 for 12 on third downs, including a dismal stretch of four consecutive three-and-outs to start the game and two to end it.
Special Teams Woes Continue
The special teams unit has been a glaring issue for the Falcons, a problem that has persisted for two seasons. Edholm’s analysis reinforces this notion, as the Falcons sit 30th in punt return yards, 32nd in kick return yards, and 25th in field goal percentage among the league’s 32 teams. Their kickoff coverage is equally troubling, as they find themselves at the very bottom of the rankings.
Looking Ahead to Change
While Edholm refrains from making direct proclamations, there are hints of a potential regime change on the horizon. He suggested, “The Falcons have a lot of young players starting, and there will be some early auditioning for 2026 jobs from here on out.” The enduring talent on the roster may signal that, with a more disciplined approach, a revival could be on the table next season. However, the current state of disarray raises questions about the team’s ability to turn things around.
In a season that began with hope and promise, the Falcons now find themselves grappling with their identity, desperately seeking answers as they navigate the challenges ahead.
