The Falcons newest dwelling loss felt like an away sport, with so many Steeler followers in attendance you’d assume they have been doling out free pours of Iron Metropolis Lager and Primanti Bros. Whereas the group was vocal, the lions on Pittsburgh’s protection have been on the gates early, eliminating Atlanta’s run sport with a agency entrance and forcing Marcus Mariota to make positive aspects by the air.
Whereas the Falcons would set up their floor assault within the second half, the sport was finally determined by Mariota’s arm — and you know the way that went.
Right here’s Hat ideas & head-scratchers from the Falcons’ loss in opposition to the Steelers.
Hat ideas
Koo retains Falcons afloat
Your entire first-half offense was the results of Younghoe Koo’s leg — full cease. Koo saved Atlanta inside placing distance after stalled drives with subject objectives from 50 and 51 yards within the second quarter, offering the entire scoring within the first two quarters.
The Steelers have been additionally having points changing drives into touchdowns, which saved Atlanta shut heading into the locker room at halftime.
Drake’s day
Drake London had a stable rebound day after a string of video games the place he was just about absent on the sphere. Hauling in six passes for 95 yards, it was his most efficient sport as a professional.
He was focused 12 instances, however Mariota’s accuracy points restricted what may have been an much more spectacular afternoon for the rookie huge receiver.
Head-scratchers
Tackling. Missed tackles on Pat Friermuth’s lengthy catch-and-run in second quarter. Has change into a big challenge.
Curious clock administration
Arthur Smith’s choice to not take a timeout previous to the two-minute warning was, to place it evenly, a baffling one. With Pittsburgh crossing the 50-yard-line and almost 2:40 remaining on the sport clock, Smith allowed the Steelers to easily waste time till the two-minute warning.
Atlanta had all of its timeouts on the time, so using one to stop 30+ seconds from ticking off made sense — it basically served as a fourth timeout.
Given how the sport ended as soon as Atlanta regained possession it ended up being inconsequential, however it was a curious choice when the protection can be pressured to make a cease to offer Atlanta a shot at tying or successful the sport.
Mariota unravels
Marcus Mariota’s season in an Atlanta Falcons uniform has been peppered with highlights — like successful the NFC Offensive Participant of the Week Award — however the frequent thread has been inaccuracy and turnovers on the worst doable moments. Sadly for him, his newest lackluster sport could also be his final because the Falcons’ beginning quarterback.
Mariota’s newest meltdown included yet one more interception on a must-score drive. After overthrowing his receivers all day and in some way avoiding a turnover, his errant cross to huge receiver Drake London was snared by Steelers security Minkah Fitzpatrick, ending Atlanta’s try to tie the rating with a subject objective.
Coach Arthur Smith can be evaluating the positional depth chart throughout the bye week, and it’s extremely probably that Mariota is relegated to the position of backup quarterback in Week 15.