The Falcons are coming off a stretch of games where they look like a powerhouse team on offense and can compete with the elite teams. Four weeks ago they came from behind to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia on a last second touchdown from QB Kirk Cousins to WR Drake London to win 22-21. Two weeks later they beat the New Orlean Saints 26-24 at home in Atlanta as K Younghoe Koo walked it off in the last seconds of the game on a 58-yard field goal. A couple Thursday nights ago they came back to win in overtime at home 36-30 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A late fourth quarter interception by Cousins sealed the victory for the Buccaneers, but the Falcons’ defense held and K Koo kicked a game tying FG to tie the game at 30 apiece. Falcons received the ball first in overtime and Cousins led the Falcons down the field where he later connected with WR Khaderal Hodge on a 45-yard catch and run TD for the win. Even though just five games into the season, the Falcons are atop the NFC South division at 3-2. The Falcons are 3-0 currently against all divisional opponents so far.
So the question that I bring up is…are the Falcons a contender or pretender…buy or sell this team? My opinion is not yet clear. I need to see more of this team. Ask me again after week 10. The Falcons have had a good ride so far but it is still early. Unlike the last three years under HC Arthur Smith, the Falcons look like a rejuvenated team that has something to prove. They have been exciting to watch except for game one versus Steelers where they played last year’s ball and lost 10-18. There is no question about it though, new head coach Raheem Morris at this point has his team fired up to play, which gets the fanbase fired up to watch this team. The season is completely sold out this year. The fans need to get back to cheering this team on the way they did during the Michael Vick experience as a Falcon. No offense to former QB Matt Ryan, love is heart and grit, and the Falcons won many games under him, but the fanbase in Atlanta was at a different level when Vick was playing in Atlanta.
Next Game
Next up for the Falcons is a road game up Interstate 85, which has been labeled the battle of 85 for both teams as the Carolina Panthers (1-4) host the Atlanta Falcons (3-2), kickoff set for 4:15 PM EST.
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