A Falcon Meltdown

Before deafeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17, the Atlanta Falcons were on a bigger downfall than Niagra Falls. General Manager Thomas Dimitroff addressed Atlanta team needs by signing veteran players that fit Dan Quinn scheme and upgraded the offensive line. Even with the recent acquisitions of Brooks Reed, Andy Levitre, Justin Durant, and rookie Vic Beasley, the Falcons still needed a year to re-group in order to be playoff contenders. Following the pre-season, Atlanta raced to a 5-0 start and were deemed to avenge a mediocure 2014 season. Despite not playing a team with a record better than .500, Atlanta went into high gear and took advantage of every opportunity. While, Atlanta offense averaged 32.4 points per game, the surprise emergence of both second year running back Devonta Freeman and a stingy run defense helped Atlanta soar atop the NFC South. After an overtime win over Washington, bad luck struck the Falcons. Atlanta lost seven of its eight games and is hanging on for the final wild card spot. Turnovers, a battered run defense, and tougher compeition were three aspects that Atlanta failed to overcome. The Falcons run defense dropped from first to fifteenth, while the offense has averaged three turnovers per game. Five of the eight games were decided by four points or less, and three of those were divisional games. As a result, failing to close out games and inconsistency has haunted Atlanta early season success.

Just like the 2003 Minnesota Vikings and 2009 Denver Broncos, early season hype is something that the 2015 Atlanta Falcons overlooked. Both Minnesota and Denver started 6-0, but missed the playoffs due to turnover issues and a faltering defense. While the Vikings featured an explosive offensive attack and forced a lot of turnovers, the Broncos were a ground and pound team. Like the Falcons, both teams limited their turnovers and featured a stout run defense. Each team also featured an explosive wide receiver: Julio Jones (Falcons), Brandon Marshall (Broncos), and Randy Moss (Vikings). However, as the season progressed, there was no outside threat to complement their dynamic offensive player. Team's were able to adjust their defensive game plan and force more turnovers. In addition, each team's run defense and passing game signficantly regressed. Consistency and lack of head coaching expierence were similar struggles that all three teams faced, during the second half of the season. In hindsight, the Falcons had an easier schedule than both the Vikings and Broncos and did not face as many dynamic offenses. In the end, all three teams share one similar quality: the inability to finish games after starting off hot.