Falcons’ third straight loss somehow managed to break fans’ hearts all over again
This was a game the Atlanta Falcons should've won. It's the type of game that left the worst possible taste in fans' mouths, and it's not hard to see why. They had a golden opportunity to tie the game at 24 with under five minutes to play, but instead, the Falcons pulled a Falcons.
After a Drake London touchdown reception, Parker Romo missed the ensuing extra point, only amplifying to the kicker woes. Moreover, just a few minutes later, Michael Penix Jr. derailed a potential game-winning drive with a costly intentional grounding call that resulted in a punt rather than points.
Afterward, the defense failed to stop Drake Maye from putting the game on ice, as a third consecutive loss dropped the Dirty Birds to 3-5. After last weekend's disaster against the Dolphins, Atlanta responded admirably against the surging New England Patriots, but it's clear that it wasn't enough.
Falcons missed way too many opportunities to upset the Patriots in Foxborough
In his return to the lineup, Penix completed 22-of-37 passes for 221 yards and a season-high three passing touchdowns—all of which went to London. After Kirk Cousins looked like a fossil in his stead in Week 8, the second-year quarterback put all rumblings of a quarterback controversy to rest.
However, that doesn't mean there weren't growing pains. For the second time in three games, a grounding call prevented Atlanta from adding points in a crucial moment. While it held less bearing against the 49ers in Week 7, it made the difference between 4-4 and 3-5 this afternoon.
While Bijan Robinson failed to surpass 100 scrimmage yards for the third consecutive game, London was the star of the show for Zac Robinson's offense.
The 24-year-old caught nine passes for 118 yards and three scores, while his basketball background paid off in matchups with Marcus Jones and Christian Gonzalez. London may have missed Week 8, but he's making his case for a long-term extension clear for Terry Fontenot.
Not only did the offense looked improved, the defense fared pretty well against a red-hot Drake Maye. Maye was sacked six times and turned the ball over twice, but the second-year gunslinger was the first quarterback to surpass 250 passing yards against Jeff Ulbrich's defense this season.
Luckily, Ulbrich's unit kept New England's run game in check with Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined, but it didn't matter. Almost everything went right, but they still managed to fall on the road. It's even more deflating knowing an overseas trip to Berlin against the Colts is on the docket in Week 10.
And if Raheem Morris doesn't right the ship and rid the Falcons of these minor mistakes, he might be out of a job soon.
Broncos HC Sean Payton Issues Clear Notice After Win Over Texans
Sean Payton was not pleased following the Denver Broncos’ win over the Houston Texans, and it could cost someone their job. However, it might not be who some think.
The Broncos had a field goal blocked and a muffed punt. Fortunately for the Broncos, the Texans were only able to convert those turnovers into 6 points. Still, Payton noted that the Broncos struggled in field positioning, too, again pointing to his special teams.
It all seemingly pointed to either a coaching or execution issue.
Sean Payton Sends ‘Damning’ Message on Broncos’ Special Teams
Payton met with the media after the hard-fought 18-15 victory. He noted the challenges of the Broncos being without All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, the adjustments to Texans quarterback
But the team’s special teams snafus and the Texans’ effectiveness irked Payton.
The Denver Post’s Luca Evans called
“We’ll look at that on film, all of that. Without watching it on tape, my concern was just the late subs. It was a little bit sloppy in the kicking game. We’ll get that cleaned up, or we’ll find someone else that can do it,”
“The thing that was troubling me a little bit was, we went into it wanting to play as much of the game on their side of the field. And I felt in the kicking game, we didn’t do enough to leverage the field position battle, and defensively, fortunately, we held up. So, if you really paid attention to the game, I felt like our drives were starting to the far right or left, and their drives were starting more towards midfield. And fortunately, our defense took care of that. “
However, Payton’s ire was not believed to be aimed at special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.
“From what I gather postgame, #Broncos coach Sean Payton was referring to personnel,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel reported
Payton could be seen instructing Broncos kicker Wil Lutz to send the ball the “right through” the uprights, smirking as the player confirmed he received the message. Lutz drilled a 34-yarder to win the game for the Broncos.
Michael Bandy muffed the punt. However, Payton praised him after the game.
He filled in for injured All-Pro Marvin Mims. Mims suffered a concussion late in Week 8 against the
Payton may not have been talking about Rizzie on Sunday. The Broncos still have plenty of work to do in that phase, getting outgained 147 yards to 106 yards on kick and punt returns in Week 9.
Sean Payton: Monday All ‘About Recovery’
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on against the Tennessee Titans.
Payton and the Broncos are on a short week. Their AFC West rivals, the
“Everything about tomorrow is recovery, walkthrough. We’ve learned a little bit more over the years,” Payton said, referencing his time with the Cowboys. “Whatever we did wasn’t right. I think we’ve learned a little bit more about the time from this game, and how we have to get these guys mentally and physically recovered from it. And then, fortunately, we’re playing at home.”
Unfortunately for Payton and the Broncos, they are unlikely to get Surtain back next week.
So, keeping their healthy players fresh is even more critical in his absence. They also escaped this contest without any further personnel losses, which is good news.
