Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) stiff arms Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
A pair of NFC teams moving in opposite directions will meet on Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons host the Seattle Seahawks.
The Falcons (4-2) are on a three-game winning streak, the team’s longest since winning the final four games of the 2019 season. Seattle (3-3) opened the season by winning its first three games before losing three followed.
Atlanta is seeking its first winning season and first playoff appearance since 2017, but thanks to a revamped roster loaded with offensive weapons, it is tied atop the NFC South. The Falcons are coming off a sweep of their divisional opponents in three games, most recently defeating the host Carolina Panthers 38-20.
Over the last two games, Atlanta has shown different facets of its potent offense.
Against visiting Tampa Bay on October 3, newcomer Kirk Cousins set the franchise’s single-game passing total with 509 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-30 victory.
Then the running game took over against Carolina. Backup running back Tyler Allgeier led the team with 105 rushing yards and a score, while Bijan Robinson ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
First-year head coach Raheem Morris has been impressed with the work of offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who is also in his first year.
“It’s been great for me to have a front-row seat to watch Zac develop in what he’s doing,” Morris said. “I really love Zac Robinson’s maturity from a play-calling standpoint. Obviously, this being his first year, I’ve really seen him fit in with Kirk and the other guys… We’ve done really well.”
Zac Robinson, who spent the last two seasons as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the Los Angeles Rams, has Atlanta averaging 24.8 points per game, up from 18.9 last season.
The Falcons will face a Seattle defense that has been torn apart of late. The Seahawks defense allowed just 14.3 points per game through three weeks, but has since allowed just under 36 points per game.
Most recently, Seattle fell at home to the San Francisco 49ers 36-24 on Oct. 10, and Mike Macdonald, who is in his first season as head coach, wants his players to feel a sense of urgency.
“We’re six games into the season and there’s a lot of football left to play,” said Macdonald, who is the youngest head coach in the league at 37 years old. “But as was said last week, we have to improve quickly. We’re finding new ways to lose games right now, and that’s not good. But we have the right guys for the job, guys who are in charge.”
One problem throughout Seattle’s losing streak has been turnovers. The Seahawks have turned the ball over six times, three against the 49ers, while forcing just one in the three games combined.
“When you play against good teams, well-coached teams, you can’t shoot yourself in the foot,” Seattle quarterback Geno Smith said. “Those are the things we’re doing now… Just getting in our own way. We’ve got to stop doing that.”
Smith’s inconsistency has been a problem. While his 1,778 passing yards lead the league, he has six interceptions, one shy of the NFL high.
Seattle’s running game hasn’t been much help either: Their 96.5 rushing yards per game ranks 29th among 32 teams.
The Falcons could be thin on the linebacker position on Sunday, as Troy Andersen (knee) and Lorenzo Carter (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. Matthew Judon (rest) and Nate Landman (calf) had limited participation in practice. Elsewhere, safety Justin Simmons did not practice, and Bijan Robinson (rest) and cornerback Antonio Hamilton (back) had limited participation.
In Seattle’s case, defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins (hand) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. Jenkins hasn’t missed a defensive snap this year, although he did use a stick in his hand in the last two games.
–Field level media
