ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons’ second consecutive road win was accompanied by regrets that the success came far too late to save a lost season.
The 26-19 win at Arizona on Sunday showed evidence of many of the reasons the Falcons entered this season with playoff expectations and are frustrated to be stuck with their eighth consecutive losing season.
Bijan Robinson topped 2,000 scrimmage yards for the season, providing more statistical evidence he ranks among the most dynamic running backs in the league and in franchise history. Kyle Pitts continued his late-season emergence to show he’s one of the league’s top tight ends. Quarterback Kirk Cousins accounted for three touchdowns.
With top wide receiver Drake London back on the field after missing four games with a knee injury, it was a strong reminder of Atlanta’s talented playmakers. The Falcons (6-9) could still be in contention in the weak NFC South if they had played with more consistency when quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was running the offense before his season-ending surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The back-to-back wins at Tampa Bay and Arizona show the Falcons haven’t quit on coach Raheem Morris since being eliminated from postseason contention but also show they failed to realize their potential.