Atlanta Falcons final week 5 thoughts and predictions

Headed into a game in which the Atlanta Falcons are heavy underdogs it is important to remember Atlanta was also a huge underdog to the Saints and Rams. While both games might have ended with a loss Atlanta could have easily won either game.  If the Falcons had of handed the ball to Patterson on a late fourth down they likely would have gotten the first and run out the clock winning the game and beating New Orleans.

A position they shouldn’t have been in to start considering they had a sixteen point lead in the fourth.

Playing the Rams on the road was a different story with the Rams blowing out Atlanta early before an impressive comeback attempt started that seemed to give the Falcons new confidence even if it did fall short. Mariota was to blame for the loss forcing the ball way past the sticks throwing to his fourth receiver who was guarded by the best corner in football.

It is this type of decision making that makes it impressive the Falcons are sitting at 2-2 and shocking that they could just as easily be 4-0.

While the Falcons have competed in every game so far this season that is going to change this week against Tom Brady and the Bucs. With Julio Jones and Mike Evans both back in the lineup this team is far too scary for the Atlanta defense to slow down on defense.

Offensively Marcus Mariota is going to have a game that shows why it is far past time to turn to rookie signal caller Desmond Ridder.  It wouldn’t be shocking if Ridder does get his first action in this game in relief with the Bucs blowing Atlanta out early. This team is simply far too good not to beat Atlanta’s quarterback that has become a liability for the team.

Final score- Tampa Bay-38  Atlanta-19