The Atlanta Falcons put up a tough fight against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17, but lost, 44-2, cementing their top-four draft selection. After looking at some Falcons who shined during Sunday’s game, here are three players who flamed out in the team’s season finale.
Todd Gurley
Naming Ito Smith as the starting running back seemed to only last a week. Todd Gurley was given the nod for the season finale and put on a very underwhelming performance, which could be the last of his Atlanta Falcons career.
For the day, Gurley totaled 18 yards on nine rushing attempts. Given the success of Brian Hill, you have to question the decision to start Gurley in place of Hill after his 62-yard run that nearly went the distance. Gurley’s time in Atlanta had some highs, like his nine touchdown runs, however, it’s seems unlikely that the team saw enough to re-sign to bring him back. That’s another Rams running back run aground in Atlanta.
Ricardo Allen
Allen’s play in the defensive secondary was pretty underwhelming the entire game. Yes, Allen did manage to come up with an interception, but this was due to a deflected ball as the Bucs receiver fell to the ground.
Other than that, Allen allowed multiple big plays that helped add to Tampa Bay’s big day. His bad day was highlighted by two plays. One where he fell to the ground on Antonio Brown’s touchdown reception in the back of the end zone. The other came on Allen’s failed attempt to break up a deep pass hauled in by Chris Godwin.
This is likely the final time Allen suits up for the Falcons as he is rumored to be one of the several potential cap-causalities.
Raheem Morris and Falcons coaching staff
Atlanta’s Week 17 loss likely killed any chance Morris has to be retained as the Falcons head coach. Morris finished his time in the interim role with a record of 4-7, dropping five-straight games to end the year.
Morris did get off to a hot start and gained traction to be a legit contender to lead the Falcons beyond 2020, but the team let too many close games slip away. With “Black Monday” looming, there should be a decision on Morris before the evening ends and an announcement soon to follow.
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