The Atlanta Falcons’ season has been a rollercoaster ride, with a disappointing home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 followed by a string of wins that have lifted the team’s spirits. However, despite their recent successes, the Falcons’ offense remains a work in progress.
One of the key issues plaguing the team is the limited mobility of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is still recovering from Achilles surgery. Cousins’ inability to move effectively in the pocket has forced the Falcons to abandon their under-center formations and play-action fakes, which were initially introduced to spark the offense.
Instead, the team has resorted to pistol formations, which have become a staple of their offense. While this approach has yielded some positive results, it has also led to a decrease in play-action rates and under-center snaps.
The Falcons’ running game has been a bright spot, with the team ranking 13th in success rate and 11th in expected points added (EPA) per rush. However, they still lag behind other top teams in terms of efficiency and explosiveness.
Cousins’ limitations have also been exposed in the passing game, where he has struggled to drive the ball downfield and reset his feet in the pocket. This has resulted in a high number of incomplete passes and tight windows, which have been exploited by opposing defenses.
The Falcons’ offense has also been hampered by predictable play design, which has allowed defenses to anticipate and prepare for their plays. The team’s inability to get players open and create separation has been a major concern, particularly with tight end Kyle Pitts, who has struggled to find his footing in the offense.
As the Falcons prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will need to find ways to overcome these challenges and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents. With the Bucs’ aggressive defense and blitz-happy approach, the Falcons will need to be creative and adaptable if they hope to come out on top.
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