The fifth and final primetime game of the Atlanta Falcons season has come to a close, with the team finishing 3-2 overall in primetime. However, this loss will be a difficult pill to swallow for the squad.
Cornerback AJ Terrell had a stellar performance, locking down Terry McLaurin all night, but his inability to guard multiple players at once is a significant concern for Atlanta’s future. The team’s lack of proper tackling technique was also evident throughout the game, with many arm-led tackles instead of using hip movements.
On the other hand, the Falcons’ pass rush has been phenomenal, not seen in decades since 1997. With players like Kaden Elliss and Azeez Ogbuechi, the team is finally finding its footing. However, wins continue to slip through their grasp despite this progress.
Michael Penix had a promising rookie performance, but struggled early on. Despite this, he showed signs of improvement as the game went on, including a crucial touchdown to Kyle Pitts in overtime. Pitts himself deserves credit for responding well to pre-game criticism and delivering one of his best performances of the year.
However, Raheem Morris’s coaching decisions have been nothing short of catastrophic. The team’s inability to call timeouts at critical moments, as well as bizarre substitutions like leaving DeAngelo Malone in coverage on downs, has cost them games. It seems Morris has learned nothing from his stint as interim head coach and is doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
With the Buccaneers’ win over the Panthers, the Falcons are now facing their final hurdle: a game against the Saints. Unfortunately for Atlanta, they have once again let opportunities slip through their hands. The season appears all but over.
Source: https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2024/12/30/24331951/week-17-snap-reaction-fun-fact-timeouts-dont-carry-over-raheem-morris-aj-terrell-michael-penix