The Atlanta Falcons took on the Seattle Seahawks in their Week 14 NFC showdown Sunday in Atlanta. Ahead of the game, Atlanta was 4-8 and third in the NFC South, while Seattle was 9-3 and one of the best teams in the NFC and the NFL overall. Seattle ultimately won 37-9. Here’s what went right and wrong for the Falcons.
What Went Right: First Half Gameplay
The first half went well for the Falcons’ offense, although they scored only six points off field goals. The offense ran smoothly, and the play-calling got players open. Running back Bijan Robinson got the majority of the touches on their first drive, as the offense is built around him. Atlanta had 157 yards in the first half. Robinson had six carries for 29 yards while catching four passes for 41 yards in the first two quarters. Defensively, they did well in the first half, recording five tackles for loss, and rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. had a sack that led to a Seattle punt. They held the Seahawks to six points in the first half.
What Went Wrong: Special Teams Woes
The Falcons’ special teams unit struggled, as kicker Zane Gonzalez’s 50-yard field goal in the second quarter was blocked by Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori, leaving Atlanta with no points from that drive.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed had a 100-yard kick return touchdown to start the third quarter, Seattle’s first touchdown of the game. Shaheed started at the right of the end zone, ran upfield, then cut inside, evading defenders on his way to the opposite end zone. The kickoff team struggled, and that specific return cost them points.
The Falcons have had special teams issues all season, with missed field goals and shaky punt and kickoff coverage, and Sunday was another example.
What Went Wrong: Second Half Meltdown
The Falcons had a collapse in the second half as quarterback Kirk Cousins turned the ball over, throwing two interceptions while Seattle’s defense dominated. Atlanta’s defense held up at first, but in the second half, things unraveled as the Seahawks scored 31 points. The Falcons’ secondary covered Jaxon Smith-Njigba well, with cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. shadowing him for much of the game, but Smith-Njigba finished with seven catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns, both in the second half.
The Falcons’ offense did not score a touchdown the entire game. Atlanta is now eliminated from playoff contention with a 4-9 record.
