Atlanta Falcons accomplish the impossible early against the Lions

Arthur Smith and the Atlanta Falcons took a short-lived lead in the second quarter against a surprisingly tough Detriot Lions team. The way Atlanta took the lead was encouraging for a team that struggled so badly in short-yardage situations last week.

The 7-3 lead came on a 4th and short on a Cordarrelle Patterson sweep to get the first down and accomplished something Atlanta couldn’t against San Francisco. Last week in Atlanta’s biggest game of the season they consistently drove the ball down the field with ease.

Seemingly turning the ball over on downs every time they were inside the red zone unable to get the one yard they needed to keep themselves in the game.

Arthur Smith made an early gutsy call showing continued belief in an Atlanta Falcons group that has been the opposite of clutch

Arthur Smith’s belief in his team and going for a 4th and short early against the Lions was encouraging for a team coming off of a tough loss. Cordarrelle Patterson was unsurprisingly the player that ended Atlanta’s inability to get a 4th down conversion taking the ball for not only the conversion but the score.

The call was a gutsy one for a rookie head coach who has seen little reason to believe his team can get short-yardage or convert in clutch situations. Wisely he decided that there was only one player to be trusted to get the yard needed, Cordarrelle Patterson.

Cordarrelle Patterson has been the Atlanta offense this season and should be their highest off-season priority. With very limited cap space it is going to be very difficult for Atlanta to keep one of the NFL’s biggest breakout stars of the year.

However, Patterson has been vocal about his love for Atlanta and the Falcons and perhaps would consider a team-friendly deal.  Outside of Kyle Pitts, Cordarrelle Patterson is the only weapon on Atlanta’s roster they should be looking to bring back next season on a roster that needs an infusion of talent at the skill positions.