Falcons have just enough to pull out dramatic road wins
Associated Press
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons’ path to the playoffs is simple — win thisweek at New Orleans, and they’re in. If only it were that easy. Atlanta (9-5) has yet to figure out how to put away opponents on the road. A 24-21 victory Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Floirda gave the Falcons a fifth road victory, but each of them has been decided in the closing seconds.
Coach Dan Quinn sees a positive in the close calls.
“Here’s what I like about that,” Quinn said Tuesday. “There is a hardening that takes place, a confidence from coming through in those environments to know that this is ourtime to stand up and make opportunities count.”
The tough part for Atlanta is changing the script. Building a lead hasn’t been hard to accomplish, but the offense, despite leading the NFL in third-down efficiency, inevitably has to punt late in the fourthquarter.
Then the defense gives up a few big plays to set up a frenzied finish. Monday marked Atlanta’s second road game in a row to end with a missed field goal that would’ve forced overtime.
Overall the Falcons have played 10 games decided by a touchdown or less, most in the NFL, and they’re 6-4 in those situations.
One quick fix is obvious — the defense ranks next-to-last with 12 takeaways and ranks last with just four interceptions. Improve those numbers, and Atlanta might reduce its penchant for drama.
“I think we did well,” strong safety Keanu Neal said. “There were a few plays we left out there, but no game is perfect. It’s about learning from those and moving forward, but I think overall we hada decent game.”
Nealhad the lone takeaway against the Buccaneers, stripping the ball from Peyton Barberand recovering the fumble at the Atlanta 9 in the second quarter. Free safety Ricardo Allen picked off Jameis Winston on the next Tampa Bay possession, but cornerback Robert Alford was flagged for holding to nullify the interception. It marked the sixth time this season the Falcons have lost a pick because of a penalty.
Despite their difficulties, the Falcons have won five of six and head into Week 16 with a chance to repeat as division champions for the first timein their 52-year history.