The Atlanta Falcons' trend of pulling off huge wins only to come crashing back down to earth the next week has continued. We have seen it going back to last season, and Kevin Stefanski has had no answers. The lack of consistency we have seen from this team is absolutely appalling.
The defense kept the team in the game until they were out of gas late in the second half. Most of this game came down to Michael Penix Jr. and the offense's struggles. Frankly, they were lucky they only most by two scores, because if the Bucs were capitalizing on more opportunities, they'd have lost by a lot more
Here are the winners and, more importantly, the losers from an awful game, a 16-0 shutout against the rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Buccaneers rain on the Falcons' confidence coming off an upset win
Loser: Michael Penix Jr., QB
Michael Penix Jr. went from his best game to his worst game, by far, in the matter of seven days. It was evident early on that this would not be his day.
Not only did he throw the four interceptions, but there were countless others that should've had the same ending. He was teetering on double digits in passes that either were or should've been picked. Hopefully, this is a one-off thing, and he can get back on track in Madrid.
Winner: Jahan Dotson, WR
The offseason signing continues to prove he is worth the money he got. He has been the explosive, downfield receiver this season. His two catches for 95 yards continue that.
His 76-yard catch-and-run bailed Penix Jr. out on another risky throw, and he's leading the NFL with over 24 yards per reception this season.
Loser: Tommy Rees, OC
Tommy Rees was fighting against the rain and a struggling quarterback. However, he did little to help his offense, as every play he called was the wrong one.
In the second half, he continued to run the ball despite it not working. Sure, Penix Jr. was struggling, but they were at a point where they had to throw the ball if they wanted any chance. Instead, he waited until the clock was under five. He also called three straight passes on 2nd-and-two, leading to another turnover on downs to really seal the game.
Winner: Kendal Daniels, LB
It wasn't always perfect for the rookie linebacker, but he played hard in what was a run-run-run game. He finished with a team-leading 13 tackles, which puts him at 24 over his last two games.
Obviously, in a game like this, you have to grasp onto any decent performances, and he's stepped up with Divine Deablo out of the lineup.
Loser: Defensive line
The defensive line was pushed around late in the game. They looked tired, broken, and unlike anything we have seen from them this season. They allowed Baker Mayfield to take another day off by allowing 324 rushing yards on 56 attempts.
Obviously, they were in a disadvantageous situation with what their offense did, but there is no way Jeff Ulbrich is happy right now.
Winner: Jessie Bates III, S
Much like Kendal Daniels, Jessie Bates wasn't perfect, but he made an impact on this two-score game. He had yet another forced fumble, this time on Bucky Irving as he was about to cross the goal line; instead, it was a touchback for Atlanta.
It marked his third straight game with a forced fumble, as the veteran safety has been playing out of his mind of late. It's about time the Dirty Birds sign him to a long-term extension.
Loser: The entire team
Nothing in that game made you think this was a good football team. They were shut out, threw four interceptions, were outgained 324 to 99 on the ground, and lost despite not giving up a single completion. The last time that happened was back in 1974. 52 years of history until now.
Is that the most embarrassing loss in the NFL, all things considered? Perhaps.
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