The Atlanta Falcons had their Week 14 contest against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta lost 37-9 as it struggled in all phases and had a second-half meltdown, giving up 31 points in the last two quarters. The offense also had a lackluster performance with wide receiver Drake London out.
How The Falcons’ Offense Looked Without Drake London
London, the Falcons’ star wide receiver, was injured in their Week 11, 30-27 overtime loss against the Carolina Panthers, and the diagnosis was a PCL strain in his left knee. The Falcons reported that he would be week to week, as head coach Raheem Morris reiterated. London was considered day to day this week but was ultimately ruled out vs. Seattle.
London is a receiver with an extensive catch radius, able to go up for 50/50 balls and run clean routes. He has 60 catches for 810 yards and six touchdowns in nine games. PFSN lists London with an 85.5 wide receiver impact score, which ranks eighth this season. This is London’s third straight missed game.
Against the Seahawks, the Falcons’ offense performed well in the first half even though it scored only six points. The team ran the ball decently, with running back Bijan Robinson serving as a focal point early and getting multiple touches on the first drive. Robinson finished with 20 carries for 86 yards and two catches for eight yards.
Play-action was effective at times, with tight end Kyle Pitt Sr. finding openings across the middle. However, the Falcons struggled on third down throughout the game, going 1-for-13.
A controversial call cost Atlanta a potential touchdown. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney caught a deep pass in the second quarter, but he stepped out of bounds, came back in, and made the catch. Officials ruled it incomplete, saying Mooney didn’t re-establish himself in bounds after being pushed out on the route.
Turnovers also hurt Atlanta. Robinson fumbled, and quarterback Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions. Both passes were bobbled, one on a screen to David Sills V and the other on an intermediate throw intended for Kyle Pitts.
Cousins finished 15-for-30 for 162 yards with two interceptions. Pitts Sr. led the team with six receptions for 90 yards. The Falcons are now 4-9 and eliminated from playoff contention.
