Football season coming back is always a big deal for me. I put football right up there with wrestling when it comes to things I enjoy watching. And no matter how frustrating this team can be, I’m always going to be an Atlanta Falcons fan.
That being SAIDDD……… our 20-13 Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was not what I expected……….
I understand this was the first game of the season. Week 1 comes with mistakes, nerves, timing issues, and players trying to get comfortable. I played a little football in middle school and high school, and while I would never compare that to the NFL, I understand the feeling of that first game.
Still, something just felt off.
It Felt Like We Took a Step Back
Watching the Falcons, I couldn’t help but feel like we took a step backward from last season.
The biggest issue was obviously quarterback. Cooper Rush had to start because Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. were unavailable. Rush finished with 143 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown by T.J Watt.
Because of that situation, I’m not ready to judge what this offense can truly become. Hopefully, once Atlanta gets healthier at quarterback, we will see a completely different offense. Also on a side note…whats so funny Tagovailoa and Penix???
anyway…. we also have to protect the quarterback better. We can’t expect any quarterback to get comfortable if pressure keeps coming.
We Can’t Depend on Bijan for Everything
Bijan Robinson was easily one of the bright spots. He finished with 173 total yards and scored Atlanta’s only touchdown.
I love watching Bijan run. Give that man the football.
But Atlanta can’t build the entire offense around hoping Bijan saves us.
We need a passing attack. We need receivers involved. We need better protection. We need drives that don’t feel like we’re fighting for every single yard.
The Falcons have to be dangerous in more than one way.
Even Special Teams Looked Off
Nick Folk is an experienced kicker, which made his performance surprising. He went 2 for 4 on field goals, missing from 54 and 45 yards. This is a kicker who had missed only three field goals over the previous three seasons.
I’m definitely not giving up on him after one game.
It was just another example of how strange this game felt.
Atlanta also had nine penalties for 96 yards. You simply can’t give away that many yards and expect to beat good football teams.
I’m Frustrated, But I’m Not Sounding the Alarm
The Steelers deserve credit. They are a franchise that knows how to win football games, and their defense made Atlanta pay for mistakes.
So I’m not hitting the panic button after Week 1.
But I’m also not going to pretend I liked what I saw.
The Falcons looked sloppy. The offense lacked rhythm. There were too many mistakes, and at times I didn’t feel the urgency I wanted to see.
Maybe this is exactly what Week 1 is for: get the mistakes out, figure out what works, get healthy, and move forward.
I still have high hopes for this season.
But Atlanta has some work to do.
One loss doesn’t decide a season.
