How the Atlanta Falcons Can End Their Losing Run and Take Back First Place in the NFC South – NFL Tracker

BATTLE FOR THE SOUTH ON NOV. 21 The Atlanta Falcons have the opportunity to take back the top spot in the NFC South after their bye week. They have lost six of their last eight games and are currently on a three-game losing streak, but a victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday would put them atop the division.

With a 4-6 record similar to Atlanta’s, the Falcons are currently in second place, behind only the Saints, following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 27-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. However, the Buccaneers are now in third place as a result of the Falcons’ victory in Week 6. Kickoff between the Falcons and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET.

BIJAN SCORES TD ON NOV 12 In the second quarter, following much discussion regarding Bijan Robinson’s red zone usage, the rookie scored a five-yard touchdown run against the Arizona Cardinal Halfway through the second quarter, the Falcons lead 14-6.

FALCONS SWAP LINEBACKERS ON NOV. 7 According to a release, the Atlanta Falcons waived linebacker Tae Davis and signed linebacker Andre Smith Jr.

Despite spending the majority of the season on Atlanta’s practice squad, Smith Jr. has seen action in three games, totaling 51 special team snaps and three defensive snaps. This season, the six-year veteran has only registered one tackle.

With the exception of Week 8 versus the Tennessee Titans, when he was sidelined due to a concussion, Davis has appeared in every game. He has participated in 83 percent of Atlanta’s special teams plays while seeing only one defensive play.

There are just three inside linebackers on the Falcons roster: Nate Landman and Kaden Elliss are the starters.

Now, Smith Jr. takes over for Davis as the team’s primary backup and star special teams player. They play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. EST.

CARDINALS COULD GET MURRAY VS. FALCONS ON NOV. 6 Coach Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals declared on Monday that Kyler Murray, who has been sidelined for the entire season due to a ruptured ACL from the previous season, will start at quarterback on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons “if all goes well” in practice.

According to Gannon, Murray will practice with Arizona’s starting lineup and, if healthy, will play.

In the Cardinals’ 27-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, fifth-round rookie quarterback Clayton Tune got the start at quarterback. As the signal caller for the Minnesota Vikings, Josh Dobbs defeated the Falcons and started all eight weeks in Arizona.

With Murray back in the mix, Atlanta’s situation becomes more challenging, and as Sunday’s 4:05 p.m. EST kick approaches, the stakes only rise.

Nov. 1 Injury Report for Falcons The Falcons will have a healthy Desmond Ridder as they get ready for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Ridder was sidelined during the team’s 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans due to a concussion, but he was cleared to play on Wednesday.

Coach Arthur Smith declared earlier on Wednesday that Taylor Heinicke will take over as the starting quarterback, even though Ridder has cleared the concussion protocol.

Additionally, receiver Drake London and safety DeMarcco Hellams both missed practice on Wednesday due to injuries, while veteran defensive linemen David Onyemata and Calais Campbell were given the day off.