Penalties Prove Problematic for Falcons
Penalties and miscues hindered the Falcons at the start of the season, and they returned in their recent game against the Seahawks. Atlanta committed nine penalties for a total of 72 yards. The timing of these penalties proved impactful, stalling drives for the Falcons’ offense and extending those of the Seahawks.
In comparison, the Falcons had only four penalties in their previous win against the Panthers. Penalties have been a recurring issue for Atlanta, with three false start flags thrown against different players during the Falcons’ opening possession, including back-to-back penalties on a critical third down.
While the Falcons regained some yardage from an initial flag with a 10-yard reception to Kyle Pitts, turning a 1st-and-15 into a more manageable second down, the subsequent back-to-back penalties forced a punt following a failed third-down conversion. Overall, Atlanta’s offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm throughout the game, largely due to the impact of these penalties.
Falcons Record a Sack but Allow Explosive Plays
Entering the matchup, the Falcons’ defense had been among the best in the league at limiting explosive plays. However, facing Seattle’s top-ranked passing offense allowed the Seahawks to capitalize, resulting in several significant plays downfield. The Seahawks finished the game with 236 total passing yards, which fell short of their season average of 276.7 yards, as they primarily focused on running the ball in the fourth quarter with a lead.
Quarterback Geno Smith efficiently distributed the ball to six different receivers, four of whom registered receptions of at least 15 yards. After failing to register a sack in their previous game against the Panthers, the Falcons managed to generate consistent pressure on Smith, with James Smith-Williams recording a sack for a 6-yard loss in the second quarter. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett also pressured Smith multiple times, though he did not achieve a sack during the game.
Despite some pressures resulting in significant plays for the Seahawks, Smith’s ability to evade tackles allowed for several big plays. As the defense looks ahead to another important matchup, its capacity to pressure opposing quarterbacks will remain a key discussion point.
Injuries Impact Offensive Line Depth
Left guard Matthew Bergeron and center Ryan Neuzil exited the game due to injuries. Neuzil walked off the field under his own power in the second quarter, accompanied by trainers, leading to the entry of third-string center Matt Hennessy, who had started 22 games for the Falcons from 2020-22. Despite this change, Atlanta’s rushing attack remained effective, with Bijan Robinson scoring the Falcons’ first touchdown later in the same drive.
Neuzil returned later in the second quarter after evaluation for a possible head injury. Starter Drew Dalman had been sidelined with an ankle injury in Week 3 and was placed on injured reserve. Bergeron left the game during the Falcons’ first drive of the second half and was assessed for a possible head injury. While he was cleared for a concussion, he did not return due to a neck injury, resulting in reserve left guard Kyle Hinton finishing the game for Atlanta’s offensive line.
Bijan Robinson Impresses with Rookie Performance
In an impressive first half, Robinson amassed 80 of his total 103 rushing yards. Averaging 4.9 yards per carry, he showcased his talent alongside Tyler Allgeier, who contributed an additional 36 yards to the Falcons’ overall total of 155 rushing yards.