What does it mean? Why now? We can’t answer that, but we can appreciate Bijan.
The Falcons nearly blew a 21-0 lead, but held off the Rams for a dramatic primetime win. Since being officially eliminated from the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons have won three games in a row, their longest win streak of the season.
Showing up when the season is over is a tradition like any other. Here are the Week 17 snap reactions/
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The Falcons amassed their largest halftime lead since 2016, and they watched it crumble away in the second half. Raheem Morris has built a thrilling but dangerous rollercoaster. When the ride is fully functioning, it can lead to a weekend of fun for the whole family, but the other 50% of the time, it’s a death trap. This isn’t a roster issue; it’s a culture one, and the culture won’t change without a significant overhaul.
Bijan Robinson, RB1 of the NFL
There isn’t a better running back in the NFL, and you can debate a wall if you disagree. Robinson has an ankle collection that none can rival; the back is built like Ladainian Tomlinson, and he cuts like Barry Sanders. The only part of his games that his doubters could point to was his lack of breakaway speed, and he put that argument to bed with his 93-yard house call. In all of Atlanta Falcons history, no player has gained more scrimmage yards in a single season than Bijan Robinson.
Drake London and Kyle Pitts MIA
It’s cool that Cousins can get the ball to his locker-room buddy, but there’s no reason he should be avoiding Drake London like he’s the plague. Kyle Pitts had a big catch in the second half but was a non-factor most of the game. The second-half offense sputtered, and ZRob and Cousins struggled to distribute the ball to playmakers not named Bijan.
The Falcons have been lucky to get 2/3 going in the same game, but it feels like more times than not, only one of the former first-round picks gets to shine. It’s a problem that Zac Robinson should have figured out by now with 33 games under his belt.
Special teams communication is going great; special teams play is not
Raheem Morris’s handling of special teams since 2024 might be his most fireable offense. The Falcons had another field goal attempt blocked by an unblocked Jared Verse, and this one was returned for a touchdown, opening the floodgates for a Rams comeback.
It’s embarrassing that leadership’s response to this bottom-tier play has been that there’s nothing the staff can do. If they genuinely believe that, then they shouldn’t be coaching in this league. The current product is a result of the complacency that’s been allowed to fester.
What does this mean?
Who knows? Your guess is as good as mine. What should feel like an impressive win feels like a gag. Could the gods of Sportology stop in and save us? Or will Matt Ryan put on his cape and swoop in to try and save the team? All options are on the table, but that also means running it back with the entire staff, minus Marquice Williams (wouldn’t bet on Morris firing two coordinators). The season isn’t over; a lot can happen when the Saints come to town, so let’s wait before drawing too many conclusions about the future.
The Falcons are 7-9 and looking to match their 2024 record, with the Saints being their final obstacle. It’s been a long season, Falcons fans, and we’ve finally reached the finish line.
Category: General Sports
