ATL Standard

I have to be honest with you. I didn't want to write this week's notebook. There was no part of the Falcons' loss to the Vikings that I wanted to touch with a 10-foot pole. Call me the Grinch, but that's how I felt.

The writer expresses a sense of fatigue and disappointment in the Atlanta Falcons' recent performances. Despite an initial strong start to the season, the team has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in their recent games against the Minnesota Vikings.

"It just feels as though every time one aspect of the Falcons' game improves or plays well (the pass rush or run game Sunday afternoon, for example), another part of the game breaks down (the secondary's performance, turnover margin and penalties). It's a toss-up weekly," reflects the author on the team's unpredictable nature.

Earlier in the season, when Atlanta held a promising 6-3 record and was undefeated in their division, there was hope that they could secure victories even if not always convincingly. However, after losing four consecutive games, confidence has waned.

In search of consistency within the team, attention turned towards players like Bijan Robinson, Darnell Mooney, and Drake London. These athletes have consistently delivered strong performances for Atlanta. However, less attention has been given nationally to A.J. Terrell despite his notable efforts during games.

Reflecting on Sunday's match against Minnesota — following discussions with Will McFadden — A.J. Terrell's performance stood out despite challenges faced by Atlanta's secondary defense which allowed significant yardage and touchdowns from Sam Darnold.

"Sure," notes the writer about Terrell’s coverage against Justin Jefferson where he only allowed one reception for seven yards as nearest defender but acknowledges "to ignore...the secondary allowed Darnold...163 passing yards on passes beyond 20 air yards...felt wrong."

Despite Terrell’s solid outing against Jefferson being overshadowed by defensive lapses leading up to key touchdown passes made by opponents such as Jordan Addison or Jefferson himself; questions arise whether such assessments are fair.

Ultimately conveying uncertainty over what more can be written regarding this current phase experienced by both themselves as writers alongside those supporting these teams at large – emphasizing importance placed upon winning above all else: “What matters…are wins.”