The Falcons are one of the most frustrating 3-7 teams in NFL history. After a 1-7 start in which Atlanta was barely competitive, suddenly things are clicking on all cylinders.
It’s probably too late to make a playoff push, but the Falcons are playing outstanding football over the past two weeks. They held the Saints to nine points, then the Panthers to just three, while recording 11 sacks and four interceptions.
The team’s two-game winning streak bumped them up from No. 28 to No. 24 in Touchdown Wire’s Week 12 Power Rankings. Doug Farrar writes the following about Atlanta’s sudden awakening:
In an unusual twist, Quinn assigned linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich to call first- and second-down defense, and assistant head coach/defensive backs coach Raheem Morris to call third-down defense. It’s worked like a charm. Over their past two games, the Falcons haven’t allowed a touchdown, they’ve picked off four passes, added 11 sacks to their team total, and they’re 2-0 with road wins against the Saints and Panthers. Atlanta’s 29-3 win over Carolina on Sunday won’t likely be enough to get Quinn’s team to the postseason, but it may save his job — and if this sticks, rightfully so. Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen was an easier out for this defense than Drew Brees was the previous week, but this defense looked dominant against both quarterbacks. Jameis Winston, who just threw four picks and took two sacks in a loss to New Orleans, had better watch out next Sunday.
Apparently, some NFC South competition is all the Falcons needed to get back on track.
This Sunday, they play the third of five straight division games when they take on the struggling 3-7 Buccaneers from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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