FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — I hear, see and feel your frustrations, Dirty Birds. I really do.
And honestly? I sympathize. With the Falcons on a three-game losing streak, your feelings about this team are valid. Your questions are, too, and boy did we have a lot of submissions as the Falcons enter Week 14 of the season with a 6-6 overall record.
Let's not waste time with pleasantries and preambles. Let's get right to 'em.
Johnny B. from Atlanta, Ga.
Dear Tori, Welp. This went downhill fast.
There are a lot of questions to ask: about the offense, about potentially asking for a refund on Kirk Cousin's $180 million, about why the defense is suddenly the light of my life. But my question today is simple:
With the Buccaneers, a team we should have gained a nearly insurmountable lead over in the division, right on our heels, is the game against the Vikings a must win for Atlanta? Honestly, is every single game we play for the rest of the season must wins? What are your thoughts?
Here's the thing about the final stretch of the season, the lead atop the NFC South could go back and forth between the Falcons and Bucs a couple times. But what you really need to know is that the Falcons just need to keep pace with the Bucs through the final five games. I wrote a lot about this in my notebook Monday but suffice to say that if the Falcons can earn one more win than Tampa Bay — or even win as many games as Tampa Bay down the stretch — they're in.
Fortunately, for Atlanta, they hold the tiebreaker over the Bucs thanks to those two October wins over the NFC South rival. So, statistically speaking, Sunday's game isn't necessarily a must win for the Falcons. Do the Falcons need a win? Yes. Should they aspire for a win? Absolutely. But it's not a deal breaker — or postseason chances ruiner — if they don't. The problem, though, is that if the Falcons do lose Sunday and the Bucs beat the Raiders on the same day, the Bucs move into the temporary top spot in the NFC South. If that happens, the Falcons will be hoping for a Bucs loss (or two) in the last month of the regular season while they themselves have to mount wins.
Again, their path to the postseason is actually very simple in theory: Just do what the Bucs do — or better yet, do more than the Bucs do.
Roy Z. from Golden, Co.
Any chance the Falcons would consider using Michael Penix Jr. on a limited basis? We could use him for pass plays that take longer to develop. He has the arm and mobility that Kirk Cousins does not. New Orleans uses Taysom Hill, and it's no secret what kind of play he is going to run. It works well for them. This would also get him valuable experience and allow us to see where he might be in the development timeline. It might also give Cousins some additional motivation to get sharper.
Your reasoning is sound, Roy, but I don't think it is going to happen. And to everyone else submitting questions this week about potentially seeing Michael Penix Jr., I would say the same thing. The Falcons are not going to bench Kirk Cousins after the performance he had against the Chargers. Raheem Morris said so after the loss.
But I also don't think they'd play Penix in the way you're suggesting, either. I am not a fan of rotating the quarterback position, and I do not think this model works well for a rookie quarterback. If you're going to play Penix, put him in for series and drives, not one play.
That, and from everything said by this team in the last few days — and that includes players as much as coaches — it very much seems that the only way we're seeing Penix is if the Falcons are in a blow-out situation and he comes in at the end of the game in relief, or if something physically happens to Cousins.
Personally, my feelings echo what Matt Ryan said on CBS this week when asked about the quarterback situation in Atlanta. He said this is not the week to insert Penix into the starting lineup, not with the Falcons heading up to Minnesota this weekend. However, Ryan did go on to say that if the recent performances of Cousins continues, that could change his thinking.
"If it goes bad, if it's not the first half that you want — I know Raheem has said that he's not going to make a change at this point— but I think they'd be apt to make an in-game change," Ryan said. "It's unfortunate because I think Kirk has been a really good player for a long time but he's just really struggled the last couple of weeks."
Give Cousins a chance to right the ship a bit, to get back to the guy he was in October. But if things don't progress, well, you do what you have to do to win games.
Call for questions
If you have a question you would like to submit for a future Mailbox edition, you may do so here.
Take an overhead look back at the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Chargers during Week 13, shot on Sony.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 intercepts the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The National Anthem before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 makes a tackle during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The Falcons running out of the tunnel before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 makes a tackle during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 tackles the quarterback during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a tackle during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 throws the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 throws the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 tips a pass during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a tackle during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offense huddles during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 sack the quarterback during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 sack the quarterback during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons huddles during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 makes a diving catch during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Drone scene setters before the Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. On Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 punts the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to throw a pass during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 takes the ball from Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29 scores a touchdown during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29 scores a touchdown during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offense huddles after a turnover during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 intercepts the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 intercepts the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 intercepts the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 intercepts the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 intercepts the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The field during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defense during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The National Anthem before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
