Falcons’ Special Teams Struggles Intensify Amidst Extended Losing Streak
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a disheartening position with a 4-9 record, marking an eighth consecutive losing season and an extended absence from the NFL playoffs. While the blame can be distributed across various areas of the team, one glaring issue stands out: the faltering special teams unit.
Dismal Performance Metrics
Currently ranked 24th in field goal percentage and 28th in yards per punt return, the statistics tell a troubling story. The Falcons sit at the bottom of the league for kick returns, and their kickoff coverage is equally alarming, allowing an average of 31.2 yards per return. This figure places them last in the NFL, starkly contrasting with the Los Angeles Chargers, who rank 31st at 28.7 yards per return. The gap of 2.5 yards is significant, illustrating just how far the Falcons are from even climbing out of the cellar of special teams rankings.
In a league where games are often decided in the closing moments, hidden yardage can be critical. The Falcons’ inability to manage this facet of the game has resulted in them being ranked 30th in average starting field position on offense, while opponents enjoy the 26th-best average starting position against them.
Continuity in Coaching Amidst Underperformance
Despite the glaring issues across all facets of special teams, coordinator Marquice Williams remains at the helm. Head coach Raheem Morris has faced repeated questions about potential changes to his coaching staff. Just two weeks prior, he reacted defensively when asked about the performance of special teams. Following a disappointing loss to the Seahawks—where the Falcons experienced a blocked field goal, an out-of-bounds kickoff, and allowed a staggering 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown—Morris pointed to player performance as the root cause of the team’s struggles.
When pressed again on the matter as the Falcons geared up for a matchup against the NFC South-leading Buccaneers, Morris reiterated that the players are responsible for the ongoing ineptitude. He stated, “Staff changes right now is irrelevant. You always want to go across and you’re always going to have to evaluate everything at the end of the season. We’ve got to go out there and cover kicks. We’ve got to go out there and block and protect. We’ve got to go out there and do all the things that we’re capable of doing. We’ve got people that know how to do it. We’ve got people that know what to do, and we’ve got to execute. That is the part that’s driving me nuts, the execution part.”
The Path Forward for Atlanta
Identifying the right personnel and creating a conducive environment for success are essential for any winning franchise, yet the Falcons seem to have faltered on both fronts. The special teams unit, which struggled last year under Williams, has only continued to deteriorate this season. As the Falcons navigate this tumultuous period, the focus remains on execution and accountability, with the hope that improvements can be made before the season concludes.
