3 Atlanta Falcons Takeaways After Week 1 Loss To Steelers

The Atlanta Falcons went into the season with what some believed was the deepest quarterback room in the NFL. However, after Week 1’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, another team with two potential starters at quarterback, more questions than answers surround the Falcons.

Here’s a look at three takeaways from the unfortunate loss to kick off the season.

The clock is ticking on Kirk Cousins

Had the Falcons lost a shootout that saw Cousins throw for four or five touchdowns, he would have been given a pass in all likelihood. However, Cousins threw for more interceptions than touchdowns against the Steelers. This automatically starts winding up the clock on how long he might have with the organization as the starter.

Of course, the keyword in that statement is “winding.” The clock isn’t counting down yet. Merely, one can believe that the team’s general manager has asked himself how long he is willing to give Cousins if the quarterback turns in another similar performance in Week 2, Week 3 and into the future. However, if Cousins turns in a win and a solid performance in Week 2, the hand will be taken off the winding mechanism. That said, he must have a sense of urgency going into the next game.

Bijan Robinson started the season slow

Bijan Robinson was a top-five selection in most fantasy football circles. However, one would not know that if they looked at Robinson’s production in the game. Sure, Robinson technically eclipsed 100 total yards in the cnotest. However, he averaged 3.8 yards per carry, earning just 68 yards on the ground.

The script of the game called for more passes as it went on, minimizing Robinson’s involvement. However, when spending a top-five pick on a running back, managers want someone who can dominate. Robinson hasn’t shown that yet this season and will need to turn it up a notch going forward. Had he dominated in the game, Cousins might not have thrown two crucial interceptions in the contest. In other words, a run-first mentality is necessary.

Drake London finishes fourth on the Falcons in receiving

Drake London is the team’s number-one receiver, but the box score would indicate otherwise. Ray-Ray McCloud, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts all had more receptions than Drake London. It might have been an issue with the matchup against AJ Terrell specifically, but there’s a chance that the Atlanta Falcons are more interested in using London as a decoy in the offense.

It will take more games to be certain, but it also sets a tone for an uphill battle for London to finally crack 1000 yards for the first time in his NFL career.

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