Atlanta Falcons: Five things we learned in win over Jaguars

5) The team needs to cut down on penalties

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball to Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (31) defends during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta defeated Jacksonville 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons were flagged five times for 43 yards, but all five of their penalties either negated or led to huge plays for both teams. Left guard Andy levitre was flagged a couple of times for holding while Roddy White and Jacob Tamme were flagged as well.

On defense, O’brien Schofield picked up a big penalty on the goal line while Falcons’ secondary was flagged several times as well. A lot of the Falcons’ flags were declined on defense so the real total of flags that the Falcons accumulated was closer to 10.

Good football teams don’t get flagged all that often and the Falcons need to clean the penalties up in the final two games if they want to have a fighting chance to win and get to at least eight wins on the season.