ATLANTA (AP) — With a month left in the regular season, the Atlanta Falcons are already looking ahead to 2026.
The Falcons are on a losing streak and were officially eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday with a 37-9 victory over the Seattle Seahawks for their seventh loss in eight games.
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Atlanta (4-9) now ties the franchise record for most consecutive seasons below .500 — a feat for a franchise that has seen plenty of misfortune in its 60-year history.
This latest loss was particularly ugly as the Falcons gave up 31 points in the second half and finished the game in a largely empty stadium that wasn’t nearly as crowded to open the game.
“It’s very disappointing,” safety Jessie Bates III said. “We have to stay together. We’re still fighting for our jobs, for each other’s families, and all the good things.”
If nothing else, the Falcons’ final month’s performance may determine whether Raheem Morris returns as coach for a third year.
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Then again, with a 12-18 record during his tenure and a 33-56 record throughout his entire head coaching career, Morris’ fate may have been sealed no matter what happens next.
what’s working
not much.
Bijan Robinson rushed for 86 yards on 20 carries, but even another stellar performance from the star running back was marred by a tiring fumble deep in Seattle territory as the Falcons attempted a tying touchdown early in the third quarter. After that, the Seahawks dominated.
What help do you need?
Special teams is a mess and the Falcons don’t seem to know how to turn things around.
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Rashid Shaheed’s 100-yard kickoff return to start the second half marked the third straight week Atlanta had given up a long return, and the momentum shifted in the Seahawks’ favor after it was tied at 6 at halftime. The Falcons tried to keep the ball away from Shahid on their final drive, only to be fouled out by Zane Gonzalez, giving Seattle the ball at its own 40. The Seahawks quickly scored a touchdown to extend their lead to 30-9.
Additionally, Atlanta had a 50-yard field goal attempt blocked by Gonzalez in the first half.
“We’ve got to put more guys out there and change things up, who goes, who runs, who covers, who does all the things we ask these guys to do,” Morris said. “It’s not just a question of one person, it’s not a question of one thing. You have to figure it out, see what’s on the tape and try to figure it out.”
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James Pierce Jr. became the first rookie since Micah Parsons in 2021 to have a sack in five consecutive games.
Tight end Kyle Pitts had a strong performance in the passing game, finishing with six catches for a season-high 90 yards after hauling in seven catches for 82 yards last week against the New York Jets. If nothing else, he’s strengthening his free-agent status, with his rookie deal set to expire at the end of this season unless he agrees to an extension.
Inventory decline
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is squandering any chance to revive his faltering career, completing just 15 of 30 passes for 162 yards and two interceptions. Since taking over as the starter after Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury, the $180 million player has completed 58% of the games for 643 yards, three touchdowns and three picks in four games.
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AJ Terrell Jr., who threw for just one touchdown all season, was outscored twice by Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. A half-hearted punt by the cornerback on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Smith Ngiba at midfield was a clear sign that the Falcons had lost interest in this lost season.
Injuried
The team’s top receiver, Derek London, missed his third straight game with a knee injury. When he’s on the sideline, the Falcons aren’t a threat at all in the deep passing game.
The defense was hurt as forward Brandon Dorus was out with a groin issue. Rookie edge Jaron Walker continued to have questions on the field, leaving the game in the first half with a quadriceps injury.
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key figures
1-13: The Falcons had another dismal day on third down, converting just one of 13 chances. This season, Atlanta ranks second-to-last in the NFL with a 31% success rate. This is not the way to attack.
“You’ve got to find a way to make a play,” offensive tackle Jake Matthews said. “I’d be interested in watching the film and seeing what a third down looks like and making a plan. It’s definitely frustrating. We expect more of ourselves.”
Next steps
A short week will force the Falcons to quickly put their woeful performance in the rearview mirror. They will travel to Tampa Bay for a Thursday night game against an NFC South opponent that has lost five of its past seven games to fall to 7-6.
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This is an important game for the Buccaneers, who now find themselves tied with Carolina for the division lead and facing two games against the Panthers in the final three weeks of the regular season.
As for the Falcons, it’s time to start looking ahead to next season.
again.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
