Atlanta Falcons still can’t find a way to beat Tom Brady

Tom Brady moved his record to 10-0 against the Atlanta Falcons as the Bucs continued their impressive season winning 30-17.  The Falcons showed growth with an impressive first half gameplan.

After the first half Atlanta failed to score and let Tampa go on a 10-0 run that would lock up Brady’s 10th straight win against the Falcons.  The Atlanta defense found ways to stop Brady early in the second half and give Matt Ryan a chance to put his team in front.

Each chance Ryan received was followed by a poor play call or a missed pass in what was another rough game for the veteran quarterback. The stat line doesn’t tell the full story of Ryan’s game. Ryan took two sacks that ended Atlanta drives that could have been avoided and missed open receivers more than once.

The Atlanta Falcons are improving but lack the talent to beat teams that are true playoff contenders

Ryan did end his interception streak and help keep Atlanta in the game in the first half. However, the final score was on a Marlon Davidson pick-six to end the first half inexcusable for an Atlanta offense that was given multiple chances against an injured Atlanta secondary.

On the more positive side for Atlanta, the defense continued to show resistance and growth and came up with two key second-half stops. Mike Davis and Cordarrelle Patterson put together a great rushing attack that helped the Falcons score on their opening drive for the first time all season.

After their first drive, Atlanta only managed three points, however, and gave Brady enough chances to put the game away.

Atlanta now sits at 5-7 on the season and remains in the wildcard race with the bottom of the NFC continuing to struggle.  Up next for Atlanta is a struggling Carolina Panthers team that will give Atlanta a chance to climb back into the messy NFC wildcard race.