The Falcons lost yet another game on Sunday and will limp into their bye week with a 4-6 record. As bleak as things look at the moment, the NFC South just refuses to let Atlanta fall out of the division race.
Regardless of how bad the NFC South is, though, the Falcons are simply a bad football team. They continue to squander chances against subpar competition and it’s tough to imagine things changing over the bye.
Here’s a look at the studs and duds from Atlanta’s 25-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Stud: Nate Landman
Nate Landman recorded his first career interception on Sunday and later added a sack on Cardinals QB Kyler Murray. The defense’s effort should be noted because, despite the result, the offense went cold in the second half. This is a game that Atlanta should have controlled but failed to do so despite many opportunities. Nonetheless, it was another good showing from the second-year linebacker.
Dud: Taylor Heinicke
Taylor Heinicke is not the answer at quarterback, and Desmond Ridder doesn’t appear to be either. After three seasons, the team has not solidified the QB position. A lack of pass protection didn’t help Heinicke on Sunday, but there were multiple opportunities where he just missed throws. Arthur Smith was unwilling to commit to a quarterback going forward, although it doesn’t seem to matter at the moment.
Stud: Kaden Elliss
Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss stepped up in Week 10 while playing behind a thin defensive line. Elliss was able to get pressure on Cardinals QB Kyler Murray and came away with a sack. Atlanta needs others to step up on defense, especially in the closing minutes, if the team is going to get this season back on track at some point.
Dud: Offensive line
The entire Falcons offensive line underachieved when it came to pass protection on Sunday. Give them credit for opening up some rush lanes, but their inability to block the Cardinals up front forced Heinicke and Ridder into bad situations. This has been a consistent problem all season, and the play-calling hasn’t done this group any favors.
