Saints, Falcons Also Lost Today. We Can Still Win

[Saca312]

If anything, today showed me we have a serious issue with closing out games. You just have to go back to the Broncos game, the Vikings, even the past 2 games to see we can't close out.

That's our biggest weakness. It's been that way since last year, and this year we're paying for it.

We were without Kalil today. That is huge. He's the manager of the OLine. Without him, we're gonna expect some pretty trashy plays. It showed in out 10 minute drive in the 3rd quarter, where we didn't even kick a FG.

That 4th quarter call to still play and not be safe against an opportunistic Chiefs defense is stupid. With the security of time, we could've had some good safe plays and wear out that tired defense. Should've been overtime, or heck, should've been a blowout. Just some bad 4th quarter playing we've come to know and love.

We ARE a good football team though in the early stretch. We light things up and get things rolling during the first stretch. That's what I like. Our front is generating pressure against a quick and fast passing offense, which is really good to see. 

Our secondary is worrisome though. I'll finally come to terms on that. As rookies, they're playing great, but compared to NFL veterans, you just won't cut it. We'll be better next season in that area, but right now I have my concerns.

HOWEVER, to bring a glitter of hope for us, the Falcons just lost to the Eagles. The Saints lost to the Broncos. This could've easily been an everyone wins situation. 

This Thursday defines who gets 2nd place and threatens the Falcon crown.

Falcons have the Chiefs to play coming off a bye, then they also got teams like us, the Rams, Zona to worry about, who could all very well beat them.

Won't think about the Saints upcoming schedule because we HAVE to win this Thursday. If we win, then we take 2nd place in the division, and have a possible run at unseating the Falcons. I don't think a wildcard is likely, but the way the Falcons played, they played like poo against the Eagles from what I'm reading.

All in all, we have to win this Thursday, and, as ugly as this season has been, we have to CLOSE GAMES OUT to be playoff contenders. We're hot in the playoffs lately, but we need to continue that success in the regular season. 

It's been an issue last year, it's an issue this year. Close out games, and don't wrap up games in a giftbag. 

I'm really worried about the Oakland and Seattle game. We can't afford to lose one, nevertheless two of those. 

[Dunn]

our Defense was fine all the way around today our Offense scored 10 points for the Chiefs today.  

[rico6]

We play the Saints, Raiders and Seahawks next 3 weeks. Put that damn kool-aid down. This season is a wash.

[BIGH2001]

Good analysis but wasted energy posting it.  This team is done

[ickmule]

Ummmm........no 

[Saca312]

Just now, rico6 said:

We play the Saints, Raiders and Seahawks next 3 weeks. Put that damn kool-aid down. This season is a wash.

You do realize how dominant we looked in the 1st 3 quarters? that's WITH a backup LT, and a backup C for an all-pro center.

Our defense played fantastic, our front is good.

The only issue is coaching, and closing out games and costly turnovers.

[Ornias]

No line protection and the dumbest coaching staff in the NFL, we are done. 

[LinvilleGorge]

It doesn't matter what our divisional rivals do because we can't take care of our own business.  We have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with amazing regularity this season.

[Proudiddy]

Please stop.  "Good teams" dont blow 17-3 leads in the 4th quarter.

[Carolina Cajun]

Please stop...This is the worst loss of all the losses this season easily.  17-3 lead in the 4th quarter and you lose it with a pick 6 and an inside the 30 yardline fumble with under 30 seconds to go.  This game can only be compared to a teenager behind a dumpster with a coathanger after an unfortunate prom night experience.

[Saca312]

1 minute ago, Proudiddy said:

Please stop.  "Good teams" dont blow 17-3 leads in the 4th quarter.

So 2015 season was a fluke then? You know how many close games we had that stretch?

Closing out is our issue, but we're a talented and good team. No one to blame but some dumb coaching decisions and injuries.

[WOW!!]

Doesn't feel that way..

[GeorgiaBoyz]

Somebody called us losing to them on here but yea, Julio cost us the game with 2 big drops that would have won us the game. We gave up alotta run yards but held them to field goals until they scored late in the 4th. Division will come down to the wire. Gonna be interesting !! 

[Saca312]

Just now, GeorgiaBoyz said:

Somebody called us losing to them on here but yea, Julio cost us the game with 2 big drops that would have won us the game. We gave up alotta run yards but held them to field goals until they scored late in the 4th. Division will come down to the wire. Gonna be interesting !! 

I did haha. South will be down to the wire. Panthers can't close out games this year, but they have a ton of talent. It's entirely possible anyone could win. Heck, even the Bucs have a chance looking at the records.