The Atlanta Falcons dropped their third consecutive contest after falling to the Arizona Cardinals 25-23 Sunday. Also for the third consecutive contest the team was bested by a quarterback in a new environment (two first-time starters and one back from injury). The team now stumbles into a bye week and hopes to regroup before coming back to face their rival New Orleans Saints at home a week from Sunday.
As concerning as the losses are, the way they lost those games are perhaps even more of a concern. The defense that was spectacular to start the season has now allowed 25+ points in all three contests. The offensive identity of running the ball with rookie sensation Bijan Robinson was nowhere to be found until Coach Arthur Smith came out with a missive verse Arizona to get him back in the flow of the offense.
The cosmetic appearance of the state of the franchise needs to be brought back to a respectable state. The Falcons have become the subject of the wrong side of highlight reels on TV shows and social media posts alike. A dominant win is needed to establish the team as a true contender. Scrapping for every inch with the weakest teams in the NFL simply will not cut it anymore.
