The Atlanta Falcons have struggled mightily in 2023. Despite the decrepit division, an NFL record in cleared cap space that went into their roster, and a feeble schedule that features only four teams with a winning record, the team is 7-9 and on the outside of the playoffs looking in.
The Steakhouse discussed the frustration that exists within the fanbase after the team dropped their ninth game of the season earlier this week and locked in their sixth consecutive losing season.
"You need to remember that Josh Dobbs was cut by the Arizona Cardinals because of how bad he was. You played him in a must-win game and he hadn't even taken a snap!" Steak exclaimed. "It might be funny for folks in Illinois, New Jersey, or Seattle. It wasn't funny here. It's not funny that a guy that basically didn't know anything about his team or his snap [cadence] beat you. It wasn't funny that the Carolina Panthers couldn't beat anybody, [but they beat you]!"
In total, the Falcons are now 2-7 against teams currently slated to pick in the top 13 of the upcoming NFL Draft, including losses to three teams picking in the top four.
"It sounds to me, given what Arthur Blank is saying is the criteria -- and he never said playoffs," Steak continued. "But he did say better, and he did say winning. We're neither one of those."
"At the end of the day, Arthur Blank is going to look at his building and there's no A.I.S. (a** in seats)," Rusty replied. "That's the bottom line. That's what he's going to look at because this city is a football Mecca -- this state is a football Mecca [going down to] high school and college. People are starving for the Falcons to be anything, and it has only gone backward [this season]."
Going back to 2021, the Falcons are a woeful 6-10 in the month of December, with two of those wins coming last season after the team was eliminated from postseason contention. The team has continued that trend with its third loss in its last four games.
"A total disappointment," Steak finished. "The bank opened up and we couldn't do anything with it."
The Falcons are 39-59 since their last playoff appearance. No matter who is coaching in 2024, Atlanta just wants a winner.