Article: Falcons' Offensive Struggles Persist in Loss to Cardinals

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13/11/2023 20h00

In a disappointing Week 10 matchup, the Atlanta Falcons faced a tough loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite some standout performances, the Falcons' offensive struggles were once again on full display.

Running back Robinson emerged as the focal point of Atlanta's offense, carrying the ball 22 times for 95 yards and recording his second rushing touchdown of the season. He showcased his talent with a 17-yard run in the second quarter, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to secure a victory. With his scoring total for the season now at four, Robinson has proven to be a key player for the Falcons.

Wide receiver Miller, who had faced criticism earlier in the season, showed signs of improvement in this game. He caught the team's first touchdown on a 2-yard connection with quarterback Taylor Heinicke in the second quarter. While his role seems to be more focused on high leverage situations rather than high production, Miller's contributions were crucial for the Falcons.

The Falcons' offensive struggles are not limited to individual performances, as the coaching, quarterbacks, and offensive line all share the blame. Throughout the game, it was evident that the Falcons were playing conservatively, with a notable lack of pass attempts longer than 10 air yards. This approach resulted in only 70 net passing yards for the Falcons, a concerning figure. Quarterbacks Ridder and Heinicke combined for just 94 passing yards, one yard less than Robinson's rushing total.

The bye week couldn't come at a more crucial time for the Falcons, as they need to address their offensive woes. The passing game, in particular, requires immediate attention, with Heinicke's departure due to a hamstring injury sparking a brief spark from Ridder. It is clear that figuring out the offensive strategy will be a top priority during the bye week.

On the defensive side, there were some notable occurrences as well. Richie Grant, who had played every single snap for Atlanta's defense prior to Week 10, saw a slight decrease in playing time, being on the field for 61 of the unit's 65 plays. Grant's recent slump continued, as he struggled in the game against the Cardinals.

Meanwhile, DeMarcco Hellams saw an increase in his role but remains the third safety on the field. He has an opportunity to make improvements during the bye week if the Falcons decide to shake things up in their defensive lineup.

In terms of second-round defenders, Ebiketie, who has been a solid part of Atlanta's pass-rushing rotation, made a critical error in allowing Kyler Murray to escape the pocket and pick up a first down on a crucial third-and-10 play. This play turned out to be the turning point in the Cardinals' final drive. Ebiketie's mistake proved to be costly for the Falcons, ultimately contributing to their loss in a game that could have been won.

Despite their efforts, the Falcons couldn't overcome the Cardinals, with quarterback Kyler Murray leading Arizona to a come-from-behind 25-23 victory. The Falcons now face the challenge of regrouping during the bye week and addressing the pressing concerns within their offense.

Title: Falcons' Offensive Struggles Persist in 25-23 Loss to Cardinals

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