The Atlanta Falcons barely showed up for their Week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Not only could they not score, but they couldn’t stop the Broncos from scoring en route to a 38-6 loss. The team now goes into the bye week on a two-game losing streak and a record of 6-5.
In this week’s edition of studs and duds, kicker Younghoe Koo gets some redemption while quarterback Kirk Cousins and a few others come up short:
STUD: Younghoe Koo
After being the main reason the Falcons lost a week ago, he was the only player to score against Denver in Week 11. It wasn’t much, but Koo’s two field goals kept Atlanta from getting completely shut out on Sunday. There wasn’t much to like about the team’s performance but seeing Koo bounce back bodes well going forward.
DUD: Kirk Cousins
It wasn’t a good showing for Kirk. For the first time in his career, the veteran quarterback was held without a touchdown in back-to-back games. This was 10 days after being voted the mid-season Comeback Player of the Year award. Cousins was under pressure for much of the day and wasn’t sharp when he did have time.
DUD: Offensive line
While the quarterback will get the most attention for a poor showing, the offensive line needs to be held accountable as well. For two weeks in a row, this unit has been detrimental to the team’s success. The Falcons allowed four sacks and the team rushed for just 50 yards against the Broncos on Sunday. For a group that’s supposed to be one of the best in the league, they sure aren’t playing like it.
DUD: Falcons defense
The Falcons defense is starting to become a real problem as the season goes on. While this group accounted for one sack in Week 11, Atlanta is the only team in the Super Bowl era to fail to get 10 sacks in the first 10 games. Considering how long the pass rush has been an issue, it’s a shame there still doesn’t appear to be an answer.
Not only do the Falcons have issues getting after the quarterback, but they’ve failed miserably in coverage. While injuries played a factor, the Broncos’ playmakers moved the ball with ease and made effortless attempts to find space and get downfield.
