Behind Dan Quinn, Falcons offense dominates while defense struggles in last place
Behind Dan Quinn, Falcons offense dominates while defense struggles in last place
After a difficult week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Atlanta Falcons fell to last place in the NFC South at a sour 1-5 record. With their sole win coming against the Philadelphia Eagles, it may not hold up in the long run if the Falcons cannot gain a divisional win. The struggles are not unsolvable, but they are not necessarily easy fixes and they begin and end with the defense.
The Dan Quinn defense ranks 31st in average points per game and 26th in average total yards. The defense has only produced 5 total sacks on the year which ties the league-worst. The lack of sack production has led to the Falcons secondary giving up the most passing and total touchdowns in the league. With All-Pro Safety Keanu Neal out for the year with a devastating Achilles injury, the decimated Falcons secondary will have to look to Desmond Trufant to minimize the mistakes. Against Arizona, the Falcons offense had a great performance posting a season-high in points with 33 only to see the defense give up the second-lowest total of the season with 34.
Although the offense is much less to blame than the defense, the high potential Falcons offense leaves much to be desired in sustaining drives and controlling the game through the rushing attack. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan leads the league in total touchdowns and first downs. This is the one bright spot of the offense, but it does come with a high price. The ground game has been nearly nonexistent with the entire backfield combining for a measly 441 yards with an average of 75 yards per game, ranking 28th and 29th respectively. Devontae Freeman has not produced in a way the Falcons would like, but with the current identity of the Falcons, Freeman is much more likely to contribute as a receiver.
The Atlanta Falcons will face the high powered Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta. The home-field advantage seems irrelevant for the Falcons, but could potentially give them a boost if the offense is able to put points on the board. With the Los Angeles Rams adding Jalen Ramsey this week, to an already strong secondary, it could potentially be an opportunity for the Falcons to establish a strong ground if he plays. The dominant Rams front must be controlled by the Falcons offensive line for the offense to throw vertical. The window of opportunity for the Falcons to see 10 wins is closing quickly and a week 7 victory against the defending NFC champions could potentially give the Falcons the necessary boost to climb out of last place and into the playoff race.
-By: LeMarkus Bailey