Score 38-25: Seahawks
Football is finally back! The 2020-2021 season has now begun, and the first week got off to a great start and for others not so much.. One of those struggling teams were the Atlanta Falcons. On the first drive, Todd Gurley immediately looked game-ready but the Seahawks defense was as sharp as ever. The falcons looked decent, but rusty on the first drive and were held to just a field goal after a few solid rushes for Gurley. The game seemed moderately competitive up until the top of the 2nd half when Atlanta went down 28-12. At that point, it was clear to see that the Seattle Seahawks still are what they have been for the past decade. Unfortunately, the Falcons seem to be exactly who they have been since the tragic Super Bowl loss 4 years ago. Although this is just week one, there a lot of things that can be taken from this season opener for the Atlanta Falcons. In their defense, there was no pre-season, so maybe they’re just a little rusty.
1. Julio Jones is still one of the Top 3 receivers in the league.
Jones caught nine passes for 157 yards. He stills seems to be just as fast and powerful as he has ever been. At the age of 32 Julio Jones still has a lot left in the tank but will it be enough? Year after year, Jones has produced top 3 stats, but the Falcons have still struggled to seal the deal. How much longer does this dominant duo of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones have left?
2. Todd Gurley is still very talented, but his limited workload is suspect
This offseason pick up definitely raised eyebrows. After discovering he has ongoing knee issues, the Falcons still signed Gurley to a one year deal. Gurley recorded just 14 carries for 56 yards and 1 touchdown. Clearly, Atlanta wants to take care of Gurley, so they limited his carries, but what benefits will he bring to the offense with such a limited role?
3. Matt Ryan will always be good but not great
Anytime a Quarterback throws for 450 yards with 2 touchdowns, it looks amazing on paper! When you still lose by 2 touchdowns it’s no longer as impressive. Over the years, Matt Ryan has put up amazing stats but as of recently, he has continued to fall short. Ryan might be one of the most consistent QB’s the Falcons have ever had, and when it is all said and done he will be respected. Will he ever take them all the way?
4. The defense can compete with just about anyone in the league, but it’s time for them to finally step up
The defense had short bursts of impressive plays but overall could be potentially sketchy. Deion Jones is still a stud and Grady Jarrat continues to be a powerful force leading the defensive line. Rookie A.J. Terrell could be the defensive back they always needed. The Falcons have talents all over the defensive side, and if they come together and get some chemistry going they could be in some good shape come fall.
5. This could be yet another year of Dan Quinn in the hot seat.
In the 2019 season, the Falcons started off 2-6 and then finished the season 6-2. In the first eightgames, the word on the street was that Quinn’s job security was on the line, and the team got the memo and tightened it back up. In 2020 perhaps this offbeat Covid-19 season will buy Quinn just one more season. Between Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Todd Gurley, Grady Jarret, and Deion Jones, the Falcons should be able to muster up a season worth watching! The Falcons have playoff TALENT, but they’re really going to have to lock in this season for it to be a success.
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