At 6-2, the Atlanta Falcons are still sitting pretty in the playoff picture. The loss to Tampa Bay was absolutely disappointing but not the end of the world. The game highlighted issues Atlanta has displayed the last few weeks.
Here is my checklist for the Falcons before they take the field against the San Francisco 49ers.
Clean up the turnovers
During the last four weeks, the dreaded t-word (turnovers) has ruined many drives for the Falcons. During the Week 8 matchup, Tampa turned four Falcons turnovers into 20 points. In the last four games, the Falcons have committed 12 turnovers.
Compare that to the first four weeks of the season, where the Falcons only coughed up the ball twice. Atlanta went 2-2 during the last four games, with the two losses by a total of 13 points, a few of those turnovers were the difference in being 8-0 and 6-2.
Get as healthy as possible
The Bucs game was disappointing on more than one front. The turnovers were one thing, but the injuries were at an alarming rate. At one point during the game, the Falcons lost Desmond Trufant (back), Robert Alford (groin), Paul Soliai (arm), Mike Person (ankle) and Tyson Jackson (rib) to injuries.
As of the post game interviews, none were deemed to be serious but they are worth keeping an eye on.
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Place an emphasis on starting off hot
Another week, another slow start for the Falcons. We have seen slow starts by this team for most of their games up to this point but the rest of the schedule has the Panthers twice, Vikings, and a Saints team that seems to be catching their stride.
The slow starts didn’t cost Atlanta against Dallas or the Giants, however they can’t depend on making a comeback in every game which was the case against Tampa as Matt Ryan and the offense tied the game late in the fourth to send it into overtime.
Regain focus
Coach Dan Quinn has injected a mental aspect into the minds of the players. This Falcons team is a lot more confident than last season. The team has not played up to their potential the last four weeks. What the two losses showed me was that in order to beat the Falcons, you have to depend on them to shoot themselves in the foot.
Every game won’t be perfect. However, if the Falcons are focused and disciplined, you won’t have to worry about average or below average teams giving Atlanta a test.