How Far Can this Atlanta Team go?
By Brian Foley
Atlanta Falcons are headed to the playoffs, but how far will they go?
Well, the Atlanta Falcons did it. After a devastating loss in Super Bowl 51, that bears in the back of our minds all too much, the Falcons just made it back to the playoffs.
Atlanta fans received a New Years Eve gift with a dominant win over division rival Carolina Panthers, squeezing them into the last NFC playoff spot. The Falcons defense stepped up big time, forcing Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton to throw three interceptions. To go deep into the playoffs, the Falcons’ defense will need to continue to force turnovers.
The 2017 year was a season of many ups and downs. This offense just isn’t the same as last year. On a high note, Atlanta has the tenth ranked defense in the NFL, which seems to take a bit of pressure off of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and the rest of the offensive crew. Which brings up the question, with our offensive woes, just how far can the Falcons go in the playoffs?
More from Blogging Dirty
- Atlanta Falcons are the perfect fit for Leonard Floyd
- 3 Largest Atlanta Falcons 2023 dead cap hits
- Atlanta Falcons trade up for a quarterback in this full mock draft
- Atlanta Falcons: 3 trade packages to land first-overall pick
- 3 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t fear Derek Carr and the Saints
Matt Ryan had a MVP season last year, throwing for almost 5,000 yards, 38 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. Looking at this season, his numbers are down quite a bit. While he still had over 4,000 passing yards, he only had 20 touchdowns and, 12 interceptions (though the majority were not his fault).
The Falcons elite receiving core hasn’t had a good year either, leading the league with 28 dropped passes! Without last years offensive firepower, Atlanta is going to have to work a lot harder to get into the end zone.
Next: Atlanta Falcons: Playoff bound following crazy season
With Atlanta being the 6th seed in the NFC, they will travel to Los Angeles to take on the red hot Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have been incredible on offense this season. Atlanta’s defense will have to step up to keep Rams running back Todd Gurley at bay. This will be a difficult task for the Falcons, but the past has proved that this team can step up in big situations. When and if Atlanta beats L.A., they will face the Philadelphia Eagles. Regardless of how this season ends, Atlanta put to rest that this team isn’t a one year wonder.