The next challenge for the winless Atlanta Falcons is big enough not to give them a chance to give in in the last quarter.
After winning two landing passes in the last era of more than two weeks, the Falcons would likely have trouble advancing On Monday night when they stop at the undefeated Green Bay Packers.
“I know the first three weeks weren’t what we would have liked,” said Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. “That’s for sure. But I still have a lot of religion and a lot of conviction on this football team, which we are able to do. “win and win, no matter who we’re going against. “
Green Bay (3-0) is the first team in NFL history to have at least 35 problems and no ball losses in its first three games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Packers averaged 6. 9 yards consistent with the game to lead the NFL.
“I don’t think it’s realistic to think we’re going to have 40 in each and every game, but it’s also unrealistic to think we can do it,” receiver Davante Adams said.
The Packers have fallen behind in their games this season, which may be offering Atlanta (0-3) an explanation of why to wait.
Again, moving forward was not a challenge for the Falcons. Staying ahead turned out to be much more difficult.
Atlanta led the Dallas Cowboys 20-0 in the first quarter and 39-24 with five minutes to play before losing 40-39 in a basket when time expired, thanks in component to the Falcons’ unexplained failure in a slow kick.
The Falcons continued to fall 30-26 to Chicago when the Bears scored 20 unanswered problems in the last six and a half minutes. The collapses were a reminder that the Falcons had an 28-3 lead over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. after the 2016 season.
“There’s anger, obviously, ” said Falcons coach Dan Quinn. “There’s frustration when you’re not playing well. For us, losing two games that, in the normal season, is as complicated as possible. You’re tested, but also Notice a lot of things and be very informed of those “L”. “And that’s what I’ve noticed about our team. “
LaFleur hopes the Falcons’ recent misfortune will increase their motivation.
“We’re going to have a very hungry Atlanta Falcon team that certainly deserves to be 2-1 right now,” said LaFleur, a former field marshal coach for Quinn’s Atlanta staff. “And they’re not, but that’s Life in this league Every game comes down to a few games here and there that can replace the result.
QUINN’S FUTURE
All eyes in Atlanta are on Quinn.
The sixth-year coach arrived in 2020 knowing he would want to take the Falcons to the playoffs to keep his task going after two consecutive 7-9 seasons.
Players have expressed themselves by Quinn, but his reviews would possibly not matter if the losses continue to accumulate.
“Look what you’ve done here, ” said defensive back Blidi Wreh-Wilson. “He backs us up. He’s a very smart coach. It’s a difficult position for the team. There’s a lot of talk. We just want to stay together. “
UNCERTAINTY FOR RECIPIENTS
Each team has a star receiver who played last week due to injury. An ankle injury marked Adams of Green Bay, while Julio Jones of Atlanta had a corva tendon problem.
They both practiced again this week. But the team now has some other injury to its receiving body. Calvin Ridley (ankle) of Atlanta and Allen Lazard (core) of Green Bay did not train on Wednesday.
PROTECT YOUR PASSES
Green Bay began a different mix on the offensive line for each of their first three games due to injuries, but the Packers allowed only two catches throughout the year. The Packers gave up 1. 9% of their losses to qualify for the moment in NFL Kansas City.
The Falcons captured 3. 7% of their losses, the sixth-best in the league.
DEFENSE INJURY PROBLEMS
Atlanta defenseman Ricardo Allen (elbow) and corner A. J. Terrell (COVID-19) missed the Bears. Now the Falcons have lost their most experienced corner, beating Darquezee Dennard (ham of the corva) in the injured reserve.
Quinn expects cornerer Kendall Sheffield to play on Monday after missing the team’s first three games with a bad foot.
Green Bay may simply lose supporter Christian Kirksey, who left the Packers’ victory over the Saints with a chest injury.
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AP Sports editor Paul Newberry in Atlanta contributed to the report.
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