Atlanta Falcons defense has been so frustrating

The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the most frustrating teams this year. When you look at the amount of talent compared to results.

But here’s the kicker, the Atlanta Falcons are not that bad on either side of the ball, that’s what makes it even more difficult to stomach. Take away the injuries and missed field goals. Keanu Neal is done for the season sucks, Matt Bosher isn’t a good punter, so the Falcons turned to another Matt. Last name Wile.

And they even brought back Matt Bryant who’s looked more like Loose Change Matt. But let’s zero in on the defensive side of the ball.

In fact, they gave the Colts so many second-chance opportunities and free first downs, you wonder what exactly the message was to the team. Jack Crawford jumping offsides, Grady Jarrett not getting off the field, Isaiah Oliver collecting yet another penalty.

Get this. After falling behind 20-3 at the half, they only gave up one score in the second half. Except it came at such a crucial time. And then when they needed a stop on fourth down, the defense seemed as they had no idea play action was even a legal football play.

Even against the Eagles. Desmond Trufant had two interceptions, and the Falcons go up 17-6. They stop Philly on one two-point conversion, catch a huge break when Nelson Agholor dropped what should’ve been a game-winning touchdown, though he more than made up for it, then had a game-winning fourth-down tackle. By none other than Isaiah Oliver.

In fact, when it comes to yards per game, they have the 7th best defense. The 8th best pass defense and are 12th against the run. All good marks and heck even improvement. Which is expected when you get key guys back, like Deion Jones, Ricardo Allen, and Keanu Neal (though briefly)- all of whom by this point last year, were out injured.

So what has to change? When can the Falcons and their fans expect this defense to actually make a difference? When they force more turnovers and get key stops. Also, penalties. They change those things and this team on defense will be less frustrating to the city and Coach Quinn.