Maybe it’s just frustration because Garrett and/or Dak have clawed their way out of the dumpster, at least temporarily and I get that but I am shocked at this forum the last two days.
Why is there so much hate directed towards our offense after Sunday’s performance?
First let’s break down some numbers...
The Falcons defense, prior to Sunday’s game, was allowing about 28 points a game. We scored 22, even the most pessimistic fan can admit that our offense played good enough for 5 additional points with the Beasley drop and the missed PAT. 27 points puts us on par with what the Falcons typically give up and that number is also in the same ballpark of our 2016 offense.
We were 7/13 on 3rd down which is also a huge improvement. We also did not turn the ball over. Falcons have recorded an interception in 7 of their 9 games before they played us. Obviously we would like to get back to the point where we can trust Dak not to throw interceptions but at this point, we are looking for improvement and 1 over the last 5 games is just that.
Now...I am sure I’ll hear some complaining about check downs and lack of big plays.
I get that...but I also believe the team made a decision to play that way. The only way the Falcons were going to beat us is by throwing the football to their big play receivers. The goal was to control the flow of the game which our offense and especially our defense did well. Duke Johnson and Nick Chubb combined for 7 receptions and 2 scores the week before..once Deion Jones was listed as out, a game plan emphasizing the short passing game seemed like a good option. Even the most brilliant offensive minds would agree to that.
Now I get that there will be a time when we need more than 22 or maybe even 27 points. Most of us thought it would have been against the Falcons. I am making no wild predictions of offensive greatness or fantasy football worthy performances from anyone not named Zeke but that is just not how this offense is designed...maybe you hate it and that’s okay.
My observations from the game were that the offense looked a lot like 2016. The game flowed through Zeke and Dak managed the game. The offense didn’t turn the ball over, concerted 3rd downs and “closed the game” when it came time. The fact is we are a run first team that is playing good defense. This is not an exciting or flashy offense BUT....when they are playing up to their potential and Linehan doesn’t cal the plays like a HS coordinator, they are very efficient and compliment the defense nicely.
