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Falcons flaws exposed in primetime loss to 49ers
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Falcons had a chance to really catapult themselves to the forefront of the conversation in the NFC with a second straight win on primetime against another playoff contender, but they came up just short against an experienced team that really shined a light on all of Atlanta’s biggest flaws.

Third-String Right Tackle Finally Rears Ugly Head

There was some panic when Kaleb McGary went down with a season-ending injury right before Week 1, coupled with the news that backup swing tackle Storm Norton underwent ankle surgery. In an instant, the Falcons were down to a third-string tackle to protect the blindside of Michael Penix Jr. However, through the first five games, veteran Elijah Wilkinson really held his own, to the point where he wasn’t even a point of discussion leading up to games—which is the best place to be for an offensive lineman.

That wasn’t the case on Sunday night. Wilkinson was thoroughly exposed, leading to what felt like a million pressures and a critical sack fumble that changed the game before the end of the half. It’s just one game, and it’s not like the Falcons have better options sitting on the sidelines, but they may have to consider making a change if Wilkinson continues to be a liability in pass protection.

Falcons Rush Defense Falters

The 49ers had a relatively simple offensive plan—pound the rock and chew clock. It was a plan they executed to perfection, racking up 174 yards on the ground on 39 carries, which limited the Falcons to just nine offensive possessions. Atlanta’s defense has made some incredible strides under Jeff Ulbrich, going from one of the worst units in the league to one of the best. But if there’s one obvious flaw through six weeks, it’s that they can be run on, especially by teams with creative running games like the 49ers.

Coaching Mismatch

As far as coaching, it seems the Atlanta Falcons are at a disadvantage most every week they take the football field, and Sunday night was no different. Shanahan was able to scheme up an offensive game plan that accentuated the strengths of the players he had available. On the other end, the Falcons had 10 men on the field on the most important defensive play of the game, and the offensive play-calling still leaves a lot to be desired. There’s no question Atlanta has enough talent on both sides of the ball to be a legitimate contender, but in a league where the margins are so razor-thin, Morris continues to cost the Falcons in pivotal moments that could be the difference in breaking their postseason drought.

An Inconsistent Michael Penix Jr.

At this point, the reality is Michael Penix Jr. has not done enough to prove he’s the guy long-term in Atlanta. There are flashes of brilliance, and the talent is otherworldly, but he’s still wildly inconsistent with his accuracy and ability to read defenses. That’s not atypical for young quarterbacks. In fact, it’s the norm, but the Falcons need him to grow up a little bit quicker because through six weeks, he’s held the team back more than he’s elevated the talent around him.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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