Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Seasonal

The Falcons Will Make The NFL Playoffs This Year Thanks To New Defensive Success And Momentum From Wins

After a poor start, the season seemed over. But the Falcons have charged back and look ready to move.

Nithik Balachandran

Nov 30, 2018

Alpharetta, Georgia

585

The Falcons Will Make The NFL Playoffs This Year Thanks To New Defensive Success And Momentum From Wins

upload.wikimedia.org

Just three weeks ago, the Falcons were 1-4, off to a terrible start, which was attributed to defensive injuries and unlucky close games. The Atlanta offense has had a ton of output this year, scoring 30+ points in 6/8 games so far. But the defense ranks one of the worst in the league. Given the new offensive injuries, with both the left and right guards out for the year and with Devonta Freeman injured, Atlanta has a very limited running game. But the passing from Matt Ryan has been elite and the Falcon's RedZone issues are over (knock on wood).

The Falcons had questionable wins against the Bucs and the Giants but showed plenty of potential in those games. The defensive backups have started to come into their own, and the kicker replacement Giorgio Tavecchio has been perfect so far, so hope for the Falcons is not lost yet.

The biggest test so far was playing the 5-2 Redskins, who lead the NFC South. If anything, this was a must-win game for the Falcons, not just because of their 3-4 record, but because they needed a huge morale boost and to illustrate their dominance. Cruising to a 38-14 victory, the Falcons looked back to their tip-top shape.

The Falcons run game has been one of the worst in the league, but the Falcons have been able to utilize Ito Smith and Tevin Coleman well enough to have successful play action plays. Plus, Julio Jones scored his first touchdown since last year. He's in great health and is second in receiving yards; he's having a great year by any measure (except receiving TDs). With Matt Ryan back to playing at an MVP level he was at just two years ago, the Falcons are probably one of the most underrated teams in the NFL.

ESPN only ranked them at number 12 this week in their Power Rankings, and this is after they convincingly beat the Redskins.

While they still have games versus the Saints and the Panthers this, it is likely that the Saints will run away with the NFC South and be the best team in the NFL, and the Panthers are the best candidate for that first Wildcard spot. If the Falcons continue their current rate of play, the Eagles, Seahawks and Bears/Vikings stand no chance for the second Wildcard spot.

There's still plenty of time left in the season and lots of football to play.

football

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

University of Wisconsin Branch Schools

599

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less

Lifestyle

11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

Bowling Green State University

446

thoughtcatalog.com

There are a lot of really easy, common names in the U.S. and while many of those simple names have different spellings, most of the time, pronunciation is not an issue that those people need to worry about. However, others are not as fortunate and often times give up on corrections after a while. We usually give an A+ for effort. So, as you could probably imagine, there are a few struggles with having a name that isn’t technically English. Here are just a few…

Keep Reading...Show less

ethnic name

Student Life

10 Thoughts We Have While Daydreaming In Class

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Monmouth University

101

day·dream (ˈdāˌdrēm/): a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one's attention from the present.

Daydreams, the savior of our life in class. Every type of student in the classroom does it at least once, but most cases it is an everyday event, especially in that boring class -- you know the one. But what are we thinking while we are daydreaming?

Keep Reading...Show less

daydreaming

Politics and Activism

11 Things You Should Never Say To A Puerto Rican

Don't Be That Person

Bowling Green State University

11662

Jessica Pinero

Puerto Ricans. They are very proud people and whether they were born on the island or born in the United States by Puerto Rican parent(s). It gets even better when they meet another fellow Puerto Rican or Latino in general. You’ll know quickly if they are Puerto Rican whether the flag is printed somewhere on their person or whether they tell you or whether the famous phrase “wepa!” is said.

Keep Reading...Show less

puerto ricans

Swoon

To The Girl Who Falls Too Fast, Never Be Ashamed Of How Hard You Love

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

3078

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less

single life

Recommended for you

The Falcons Will Make The NFL Playoffs This Year Thanks To New Defensive Success And Momentum From Wins

After a poor start, the season seemed over. But the Falcons have charged back and look ready to move.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Seasonal

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter