Atlanta Falcons: Bye Week couldn’t have come at a better time

Sitting at 3-1, the Bye Week could not have come at a better time for the banged up Atlanta Falcons, and we should be thankful for it.

Remember those complaints when the schedule in April came out about the Atlanta Falcons Bye Week coming at Week 5? Safe to say one is complaining about that timing anymore.

The Atlanta Falcons go into the week off with a 3-1 record and a top of the NFC South (ahead of the Panthers because of their 3-0 Conference record). With the Falcons not playing their best football and to still be 3-1 going into the Bye Week is pretty remarkable.

There’s only one problem, they’re pretty banged up right now.

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Unlike last year when the Falcons avoided any major injuries to their key players, the Falcons have missed some key starters the past two weeks.

Though the defensive line has played pretty solid over the past couple weeks, getting edge rusher Vic Beasley, and possibly defensive lineman Courtney Upshaw back after the bye will be a huge boost for them.

However, there should be some slight concern about the injuries on the offensive side.

For the Falcons to be missing two of their best receivers and still have a chance to win that game is amazing. But, the loss of Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu were key and could’ve helped the Falcons win the game on the last drive.

Jones left with a hip flexor and Sanu left with a hamstring injury. With that being said, The Falcons absolutely need this Bye Week. A good number of key starters have been missing in action and it’s very important to get these guys ready for the stretch run.

Beasley, Upshaw, offensive tackle Ryan Schraeder and safety Ricardo Allen are close to returning. On top of that, we’re all keeping our fingers crossed that Jones and Sanu don’t miss significant time.

Next: Atlanta Falcons drop to 3-1 with home loss to Buffalo

Early Bye Weeks in the NFL aren’t fan favorites, but this one worked out just perfectly for the Falcons. And for that, we should be thankful.

Enjoy the bye, Falcons fans.