The Atlanta Falcons have lost six of their last eight games following Sunday’s 25-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Despite taking a late lead, the Falcons couldn’t slow Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in the final minute.
Murray led his team into field-goal range, setting up Matt Prater’s game-winning kick as time expired. Here are 10 takeaways from Atlanta’s Week 10 loss in Arizona.
1
Falcons continue to spiral
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith doesn’t think the team is “unraveling,” but you’d be hard-pressed to find a coach who would admit such a thing. Sunday’s loss was a close game, which has been the norm for this team all season. Smith has done some good things, but the Falcons have consistently failed to get out of their own way, even when the team isn’t turning the ball over. I don’t think Falcons owner Arthur Blank will make a move over the bye week, but even a man as patient as Blank has his limits.
2
Ridder comes in for Heinicke, scores go-ahead TD
Second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder finally got another chance when Taylor Heinicke went down in the fourth quarter. Ridder completed four of six passes for 39 yards while adding 11 rushing yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Ridder, the Cardinals drove down for a game-winning field goal. The team will have a tough decision to make at QB.
3
Bijan gets season-high 22 carries
Robinson had 10 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone. Clearly, Arthur Smith was trying to make a point by using the rookie in the red zone and as the punt returner on Sunday. Still, Fans loved seeing the rookie utilized to his full potential. Robinson finished the game with 22 carries for 95 rushing yards and a touchdown. He added one catch for 11 receiving yards.
4
Kyler Murray was a problem
Murray made his first start of the season and reminded everyone why he was once the No. 1 overall pick. The Cardinals QB passed for 249 yards through the air and another 33 yards with a touchdown on the ground. When Arizona needed a big play, Murray showed up time and time again. His third-down scramble in the fourth quarter was essentially the straw that broke the camel’s back. The Falcons defense has struggled with mobile quarterbacks this season.
5
Landman with another solid game
Landman turned in another quality performance in place of injured linebacker Troy Andersen against the Cardinals. The former undrafted free agent came up with an interception and a sack in Week 10. He continues to show a nose for the football and it’s easy to see why he made the team. While Landman wasn’t perfect on Sunday, you could argue that he’s been more consistent than Andersen since taking over at inside linebacker.
6
Falcons passed for 94 total yards
The Falcons passing game wasn’t much of a factor on Sunday, although it was clear the team was making a point to run the football. Ridder and Heinicke combined for just 94 total passing yards. Atlanta attempted just 21 passes in the game, with nearly double the rushing attempts (41). Drake London led the team with 36 receiving yards. Kyle Pitts finished with three catches for 30 receiving yards. Even Jonnu Smith was held in check — one catch for one receiving yard — in Week 10.
7
Injuries
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke injured his hamstring in the fourth quarter, but aside from that, it was a relatively clean game for Atlanta. The Falcons came into Week 10 more banged up than usual. Cornerback Dee Alford, wide receiver Mack Hollins and defensive lineman David Onyemata each missed Sunday’s game. Fortunately, the players have an additional week to rest up.
8
NFC South: Updated Standings
| W | L | T | Pct. | PF | PA | Home | Away | |
| Saints | 5 | 5 | 500 | 214 | 198 | 2-2 | 3-3 | |
| Bucs | 4 | 5 | .444 | 178 | 173 | 2-3 | 2-2 | |
| Falcons | 4 | 6 | .400 | 189 | 217 | 3-2 | 1-4 | |
| Panthers | 1 | 8 | .111 | 153 | 242 | 1-3 | 0-5 |
The Saints lost to the Vikings in Week 10, but the Falcons were unable to take advantage of it. Atlanta now sits in third place in the NFC South going into Week 11.
9
Arthur Smith postgame: "We're not where we want to be"
“We’re not where we want to be but somehow, some way we’re not out of it,” Smith said during his postgame press conference. The Falcons head coach said he would not make staff changes during the bye week. He also did not commit to a quarterback for Week 12.
10
What's next for Atlanta?
Atlanta has a bye in Week 11 before taking on the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 12. The Saints lost to the Vikings on Sunday, and QB Derek Carr was replaced by Jameis Winston due to a shoulder injury. The Falcons should benefit from an extra week of rest heading into their NFC South showdown in Week 12.
