The Atlanta Falcons' 18-10 loss to the Steelers on Sunday to open the season could have a lasting affect on the entire season. The team has contests against two Super Bowl contenders coming up in the Philadelphia Eagles & Kansas City Chiefs. The rival Saints await the following week. The team will now have to avoid a 1-3 or 0-4 start against these tough opponents.
The team's issue containing a stout pass-rush on Sunday will be the same task they go against the next three weeks. Their next three opponents feature dominant players including Jalen Carter, Chris Jones and Cam Jordan. The offensive line will have to improve significantly on their pass-block skills in order to prevent the collapsing pockets Kirk Cousins endured vs Pittsburgh.
The Falcons' offense could very well round into form over the next few weeks and this first loss will be forgotten. But the glaring issues for the offensive line have to be fixed ASAP in order for that to happen.