Every part.
It might sound hyperbolic, however the Atlanta Falcons’ season and future relaxation on this recreation. If they’ll’t beat a two-win soccer group and not using a starting-caliber quarterback, their mathematical likelihood of constructing the playoffs is meaningless. It is a can-not-lose recreation.
Positive, Atlanta may nonetheless end with a profitable report regardless of a loss; they may even make the playoffs, however may they survive the noise between then and a loss Monday night time? The Raiders are a horrific soccer group, and Falcons followers are acquainted sufficient with that type of product to comprehend it once they see it.
You’ll be able to’t rationalize a loss to a group whose greatest success story of the season is promoting a stake of the franchise to a person obsessive about avocado ice cream. That doesn’t imply the opponent needs to be taken frivolously, however that is the proper “get proper” recreation to kick off this closing four-game stretch, and wouldn’t or not it’s good to be on the suitable aspect of that kind of recreation for as soon as?
Raheem Morris has come beneath hearth throughout Atlanta’s collapse, and whereas talks of a “one-and-done” season nonetheless really feel untimely, an embarrassing outing may change the outlook of his future. Coordinators Zac Robinson and Jimmy Lake should be held accountable as nicely. Each have proven authentic enhancements over the course of the season, however have additionally left followers scratching their heads too typically.
The Raiders have been one of many worst-coached groups this season, and if the Falcons workers can’t outclass them, eyebrows shall be raised. Coaches can’t management how gamers execute, however far too typically, execution errors stem from psychological and technical errors as a substitute of outright shedding their matchups to the higher participant. The previous falls on the workers to a sure extent. A scarcity of penalties and questionable situational calls will go a great distance; extra of the identical, and followers will proceed to be cautious of this workers’s potential.
Nobody is feeling the strain greater than Kirk Cousins. Cousins has been the situation throughout this four-game stretch. That’s to not say the issues talked about earlier don’t exist; they only haven’t been as dangerous because the quarterback’s play. Throughout this four-game skid, Cousins threw eight interceptions with out throwing a landing. The quarterback is double-clutching like he’s Dwayne Wade, however the transfer isn’t creating openings. It’s closing them. Defending the ball is the highest precedence.
The Falcons have two working backs that may rating touchdowns, however not even the dynamic backfield of Robinson and Allgeier can overcome interceptions in enemy territory—neither can the protection. When allowed to throw the ball, Cousins has to hit the open pictures; there have been too many touchdowns falling into the arms of an opposing defender. If the play just isn’t there, Cousins must do one thing we’ve not often seen all yr: throw the ball out of bounds.
The quarterback has been careless with possessions, treating them as if there shall be infinite alternatives. Not everybody goes to be open each play, and that’s okay; dwelling to see one other down is a greater determination than forcing the ball right into a window you don’t have the arm to make. Cousins wants to begin enjoying like the sport supervisor he was signed to be; Atlanta’s offensive weapons can play the position of hero.
A loss doesn’t eradicate Atlanta from making the playoffs, however ensures they’ll be under the Buccaneers heading into the next week. Pending Tampa Bay’s efficiency towards the Chargers, a loss to the Raiders would both assist the division foes widen their hole or give them a freebie in the event that they do lose. Regardless, Atlanta can solely start to fret in regards to the Buccaneers outcomes as soon as they begin profitable video games once more.
I’m certain many have already satisfied themselves that they received’t be completely satisfied even when the Falcons end 10-7, win the division, and make the playoffs. I’m calling their bluff. You haven’t seen the Falcons within the playoffs for the reason that 2017 season, and also you need me to consider you’ll be turning your nostril up at it as a result of the Falcons had a four-game shedding streak at one level.
Please. You sickos shall be there with eyes glued to the tv and a pending bar remedy session. That is how any fan who’s suffered via this almost decade-long drought ought to act. Flipping the win totals of the previous three years and making the playoffs is actually what this yr was all about, and it’s a tangible achievement to present followers hope for the longer term. Burn them after waving that hope of their face, and it’ll take profitable a Tremendous Bowl to regain that belief. That’s the social contract all NFL individuals make.
The outcomes of this recreation maintain implications, honest and unfair. Claims of a nasty tradition and rumors of locker room dysfunction will proceed to rise. A number of males’s jobs shall be referred to as into query, and religion within the franchise will dissipate. Profitable cures all, and no group wants a win greater than your Atlanta Falcons.
