ATLANTA – There's no sugarcoating it: The Falcons needed a win and didn't come close to pulling one off on Sunday.
The reasons why have varied, but the reality is that these 2019 Falcons keep digging themselves into big holes and they've got to cut it out.
For the third time in as many losses, the Falcons got off to a slow start – they trailed by 17 at halftime – before falling 24-10 to the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. According to ESPN Stats, the Falcons have trailed by more than 14 points at the half in just three games over the previous three seasons combined (2016 to 2018).
Was it a must-win game? No, but it was one that the Falcons had to have and, at least on paper heading into this one, appeared like they should have had.
Now, instead of heading off to Houston with a 2-2 record, the Red and Black are beginning their two-game road trip to Houston and Arizona with a not-so-pretty 1-3 mark.
Is the season a wash? Hardly. We're only a quarter of the way through the season – there's 12 games to go – and there's plenty of football to play, including all six of the NFC South games.
That's not me trying to spin on things, those are just the facts.
Unfortunately, there's some more facts – and they're not great, at least not from the Falcons' and their fans' perspective.
As I noted above, the Falcons have fallen into an early hole in all three of their losses this season. The Falcons have now been outscored 71-20 in the first half of all four of their games.
There's not just one reason for it, either.
In the Week 1 loss to the Vikings, the Falcons turned it over three times and had a punt blocked. Matt Ryan was also sacked four times.
Against the Colts, the Falcons hurt themselves by committing 16 penalties for 128 yards. Even worse, seven of those resulted in first downs for Indy.
In Sunday's loss, it was something no one expected to be the difference: the Titans passing offense, which entered this one ranked 28th in the league.
The Titans' most dangerous weapon on offense is running back Derrick Henry. Heading into the showdown with the Falcons, Tennessee's offense was ranked 27th overall – No. 12 in rushing. Also noteworthy: in his last eight games, Henry has an NFL-best 865 yards and has touchdowns in seven of his last eight games.
So it was clear the Falcons needed to shut down the 6-foot-3, 247-pound bell cow. And the good news is that the Falcons did … for three quarters, at least. Atlanta held Henry to just 43 yards on six carries heading into the fourth quarter.
The problem is that the Falcons dared Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota to beat them and all he did was connect on 14 of 19 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, and that was more than enough to secure the win.
Mariota, who has been sacked 17 times season, was not brought down once by the Falcons defense. Mariota also kept his zero-interception streak alive while connecting on touchdown passes of 55, 11 and 23 yards – two to rookie receiver A.J. Brown.
It wasn't all on the Falcons defense, though.
Ryan was sacked a season-high five times. While the Falcons avoided double-digit penalties for the first time all season, they were still flagged seven times for 50 yards.
And in other usually telling categories, the Falcons ended up outgaining the Titans on offense (422 total yards to 365), having the ball longer (30:41 to 29:19) and even tallying more first downs (24 to 22).
No matter how you slice it, the Falcons are 1-3 and that's reality.
Following the game, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said that "when you're sitting at 1-3, you want to make sure you're finding the answers."
The Falcons need to find some answers because the questions – and losses – are starting to mount.
Get an inside look at Atlanta Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans with top photos from the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 before the game between the. Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons).
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 is shown before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons).
Members of the Big Gang gestures before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Members of the Big Gang gestures before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of an Atlanta Falcons player helmet is shown before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 cleats are shown before the game between the Tennessee Titans and. Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 warms up before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of Atlanta Falcons player cleats are shown before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 is introduced before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 takes the field during the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Ricardo Allen takes the field during the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 takes the field during the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Jamon Brown #68 reacts during the first quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 tackles Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis #33 during the first quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Honorary Captain Caroline Brewer, who is fighting brain cancer, holds hands with Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 and Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn as wide receiver Julio Jones #11 looks on during the national anthem before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Honorary Captain Caroline Brewer, who is fighting brain cancer, gives Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 a high five before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 and defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 react after a play during the first quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the first quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 runs the ball in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 celebrates after running back Ito Smith #25 (not shown) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titansat Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hands the ball off to Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons).
A detailed view of Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 looking on from the sideline during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with offensive guard Wes Schweitzer #71 during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis #84 during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 yells from the line of scrimmage during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action running during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kemal Ishmael #36 makes a gang-tackle during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 runs the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
During the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
During the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
During the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in action during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in action during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell #59 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 runs the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 passes the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant #3 looks on before attempting a kick during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin #78 in action during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell #59 gestures during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Cominsky #50 celebrates as the Atlanta Falcons recover a fumble during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons celebrate after recovering a fumble during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons).
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jack Crawford #95 gestures during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Cominsky #50 celebrates as the Atlanta Falcons recover a fumble during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan #26 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 swap jerseys after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Wes Schweitzer #71 and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle David Quessenberry #72 swap jerseys after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown #11 swap jerseys after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 swaps jerseys after the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
