.500

In a game that started off good, but ended badly, the Atlanta Falcons are now 5 – 5 on the season as they lose to the red-hot Baltimore Ravens 24 - 10. The Dirty Birds’ playoff window is shrinking as the team frantically looks for answers. This was definitely a tale of two halves. During the first half, the Falcons offense moved the ball decently and defense had the Ravens on lockdown, but after halftime, the Ravens made some adjustments, especially on special teams, and the injury plagued Falcons special teams and defense had no answers.

Atlanta’s biggest problem during the three game slide is our inability to run the ball. You take so much pressure off the passing game when you can establish a rushing attack. Warrick Dunn finished with 52 rushing yards and Michael Vick had 54 rushing yards, 127 passing yards on 11 of 21 attempts and 1 touchdown. I was surprise to see the Falcons run a more “traditional” west-coast offense. Vick rarely went down field today and threw more passes to Justin Griffith, who finished with 34 yards. “Rowdy” Roddy White finished with 49 yards.

The Falcons are going to have to find themselves if they want to make the playoffs. Next week’s games against divisional rival New Orleans Saints is a must win.