Atlanta Falcons need Russell Gage’s hot streak to continue

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 12: Russell Gage #14 of the Atlanta Falcons signals a first down after a reception over the defense of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 12: Russell Gage #14 of the Atlanta Falcons signals a first down after a reception over the defense of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Falcons’ struggles at the receiver position have been well-chronicled this season. After Calvin Ridley’s departure, Atlanta badly needed someone to step up, and after struggling for much of the season Russell Gage is finally putting it together.

Over his last three games, Gage has had a big impact and easily been Atlanta’s best receiver. With the focus shifting to Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson, Gage has thrived as a hustle receiver who made big catches in wins against the Jaguars and Panthers.

With their biggest game of the season on Sunday Atlanta needs this production from Gage to continue. He has been Atlanta’s most consistent receiver and offers Ryan a target he has been sorely missing for much of the season.

The Atlanta Falcons offense can’t afford for Russell Gage to struggle as he did for the first half of the season

Atlanta needs the version of Gage that they got against Tampa and Carolina in two key division games. This version of Gage made timely catches and was consistently involved in the Atlanta Falcons offense.

While this may not seem noteworthy for many offenses for Atlanta’s it is monumental. Russell Gage is the first receiver this season to put three good games together. Calvin Ridley is gone and Atlanta doesn’t have another reliable receiver on the roster.

Gage has 256-receiving yards over the last three games and 464-total receiving yards on the season. He has more than doubled his contributions over the last three games and Atlanta needs this to continue if they have any hope of upsetting San Francisco.

Apart from the implications on the season, Gage is putting together enough positive tape to earn him another chance in Atlanta. While his season may have been disappointing overall he has shown enough to be the lone holdover on a receiving core that needs to be completely rebuilt.

Gage is by far the most talented receiver on the active roster and is finally putting it all together at the perfect time for an overachieving Falcons team.

3 Falcons that must step up against San Francisco. dark. Next