Three positive takeaways from an ugly Falcons loss

The Falcons had no business losing on Sunday. They out-gained the Bucs by 100 yards and did not turn the ball over at home. Those are games playoff teams win every time. Poor coaching, abysmal special teams, a missed kick, and penalties led to yet another excruciating loss in Atlanta, but it shouldn’t completely overshadow all the positives the Falcons showcased in Week 1.

Revamped Falcons Defense Made Life Tough for Bucs Offense

The Falcons overhauled their defense during the offseason, starting with the defensive coordinator. Jeff Ulbrich replaced Jimmy Lake, and the initial returns were positive. They completely stymied Tampa Bay’s offense for three quarters, limiting them to 260 yards on the afternoon. Baker Mayfield did have three touchdowns but completed just over 50% of his passes for 167 yards. The Bucs also couldn’t get anything going on the ground, with Mayfield leading the team in rushing with 39 yards.

A lot of Atlanta’s new defensive pieces played a big role in that. Divine Deablo, who signed with the team this offseason, was all over the field in place of Troy Andersen. Rookie starters Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. had some big plays, and James Pearce Jr. led the team with four pressures on just 23 snaps. 

About the only reason the Bucs were able to get anything going through the first three quarters is due to special teams. On two separate occasions, Tampa Bay’s return unit was able to set Baker Mayfield up on the Falcons side of the field, leading to two touchdowns.

Atlanta’s defense did falter on the final drive, but overall, it was a night and day difference compared to last season. Nothing came easy for the Bucs, and the group brought a sense of aggression that the Falcons haven’t had in nearly a decade.

Michael Penix Jr. is HIM

The conversation around Michael Penix Jr. needs to change.

It’s no longer: could he be the Falcons next franchise quarterback? It’s now: how high can he take the organization?

Penix was brilliant on Sunday, tossing for nearly 300 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. He also added another touchdown on the ground, which gave the Falcons the lead late in the fourth quarter, one of a couple of Houdini acts he pulled to keep his team in the game. He then led the Falcons 60 yards back down the field in the final 59 seconds, setting Younghoe Koo up for the game-tying field goal, and Penix did it without Drake London or Darnell Mooney, who were both injured.

In Penix’s last three starts, he’s given the Falcons a chance to tie or take the lead in the fourth quarter six times. That’s an unprecedented level of success for someone with no experience. He’s picking things up much quicker than anybody could have anticipated, and he’s doing it all while not putting the ball in harm’s way.

The Falcons coaching staff is the only thing that can hold Michael Penix Jr. back.

Kyle Pitts Resurgence?

In the absence of Darnell Mooney, and with Drake London going down late in the game, Kyle Pitts was heavily involved against the Bucs, hauling in seven of his eight targets for 59 yards. The entire NFL world has been waiting for the rookie version of Pitts to return, and while one game should not overshadow the last several seasons, it’s a good start.

If he’s open, Penix is going to find him the ball. Pitts led all offensive players with a 73.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.