ATLANTA (AP) – The Atlanta Falcons remain a long shot for the playoffs. They also remain below .500 at 7-8, but already the Falcons have a win.
They’ve won the right to be called relevant as December comes to a close.
For most franchises, that’s a modest claim. For the Falcons, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2017 and finished with only four wins last season, it’s a notable achievement.
Sunday’s 20-16 win over Detroit showed the Falcons have developed the ability to win close games that escaped the team the last three seasons, especially in 2020’s 4-12 collection of embarrassing losses.
Linebacker Foye Oluokun’s last-minute interception at the Atlanta 1 saved the win. The play serves as proof of improvement under first-year coach Arthur Smith. The Falcons are 7-2 in one-possession games.