The Atlanta Falcons finally scored a victory in the 2021 NFL season.
However, they broke into the win column against the lowly New York Giants, who had massive offensive line problems.
It took a Younghoe Koo field goal to give Atlanta the win, 17-14.
KOO FOR THE WIN 🙌
📺: FOX | @YounghoeKoo pic.twitter.com/DlPwxntTmz
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 26, 2021
The Falcons were the more disciplined team with only four penalties for 28 yards.
Meanwhile, the Giants committed eight penalties for 53 yards.
Matt Ryan finished with 243 passing yards and two touchdowns to lead a gutsy effort.
Even with that win, the Atlanta offense continues to struggle.
They did score 25 points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.
But the defending champions have their concerns in their secondary as well.
The weak coverage from Tampa Bay’s defensive backs allowed Ryan to find his receivers and finish with two touchdown passes to Calvin Ridley and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Just a reminder…
CALVIN RIDLEY IS ELITE‼️ pic.twitter.com/YDuiwcNN3N
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 23, 2021
Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts had five receptions for 73 yards.
Despite those numbers, the Falcons offense is struggling through three games.
Last season, Atlanta had the fifth-best passing offense with 272.7 per game.
They also ranked 16th in scoring, with 24.8 points in each match.
This year, the Falcons are 28th in total yards per game (301.3) and 26th in passing with 218.7 per outing.
Worst, Atlanta is putting up just 16 points per contest, ranking 29th.
Atlanta's offense is converting 3rd downs at 33.3%.
Defensively they're allowing 43.6%.#WashingtonFootball
— Tae & Todd Washington Football Podcast (@TaeNToddPodcast) September 30, 2021
The numbers reveal that their offense regressed despite having Ridley and highly-touted prospect Pitts.
Their defense isn’t much of a help as well, surrendering 373.7 yards and 31.3 points per game.
Atlanta’s defensive unit is so terrible that they allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to score 32 points.
Jalen Hurts outplayed Ryan in that match with 264 yards and three touchdowns.
The Falcons must make their move in Week 4 if they want to save their season.
Hosting Washington At Home
Arthur Smith’s crew will face the Washington Football Team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Surprisingly, Ron Rivera’s defense is struggling a year after it became the team’s strength.
Washington gave up the second-least yards per game in 2020 with 304.6 and fourth-least points at 20.6 per game.
Their performance early in 2021 is a stark contrast to last season.
They gave up 43 points to the Buffalo Bills and surrendered 29 in their Thursday Night Football match with the Giants.
“Josh Allen is one of the best five players in the NFL and the Bills are a juggernaut who have fully hit their stride.”
📺: @GMFB pic.twitter.com/vGfS82bgjZ
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 27, 2021
Washington is second-worst in total yards allowed with 432 per game and 29th in points allowed at 30.7 each match.
Likewise, last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young is yet to get a sack while the team only has six in total.
Atlanta can have a solid game by exploiting Washington’s pass defense.
Ryan must command efficient drives to find the holes in their opponent’s defense.
It’s time for Pitts to live up to the hype and have a breakout game.
WHY IS KYLE PITTS NOT ON THE FIELD IN THE RED ZONE
WHY
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) September 26, 2021
The Falcons must find a way to take advantage of his size and speed to gain big yardage.
On defense, Atlanta must also generate constant pressure on Taylor Heinicke because Washington running back Antonio Gibson is questionable for the game.
Washington will run more pass plays if Gibson doesn’t play.
Likewise, they don’t have an extra blocker that can pick up the Falcons blitz.
Winning in Week 4 will keep the Atlanta Falcons in the thick of things in the NFC South.
NEXT: Falcons Simply Not Built To Win In 2021