1. Dee Alford
Sign a corner in free agency at the end of the season and the Atlanta Falcons are getting better results than they were given from Alford last week. It was difficult to watch the slot corner attempt to cover two great Minnesota receivers. Alford running after Jefferson only to turn in the opposite direction, run, and fall to the ground is going to be a consistent part of Jefferson's highlight reel moving forward.
It felt a blooper reel worthy play summing up Atlanta's season. The secondary was supposed to be the strongest part of this defense and they were completely destroyed in Minnesota. Still, Alford will be a part of the plan and on the field consistently.
However, the Falcons would be wise to lessen Alford's snaps and give another player a chance at the role. It is clear that Alford's struggles cost Atlanta a chance at winning last week along with Kirk Cousins' continual ineptitude.
Clark Phillips has struggled at times as well this season but has shown flashes of being a long-term contributor. Lessen Alford's time on the field and evaluate your remaining pieces. It seems likely A.J. Terrell is the only starter locked in past this season.
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2. Kyle Pitts
As long as Kirk Cousins is the quarterback there is very little reason to have Kyle Pitts on the field. It is clear that the veteran quarterback has zero trust in Pitts. It is hard to blame Cousins with what we've seen from Pitts in recent weeks. Often playing small and seeming to be unable to finish plays, the tight-end was a bad draft pick and isn't able to impact the game with any level of consistency.
With this in mind, go ahead and at least add a better blocker on the field. With how Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are playing that should be the recipe to beat this Raiders team. Lean on the run and hope Cousins is able to come back to life. Pitts isn't a part of this offense whether it is by design or his level of play is up to the viewer.
No matter where you fall on the answer there is no argument that the Falcons are better with Pitts on the field. Add a better blocker and a tight-end that the quarterback will throw to if needed. It is more of the same from a player who continues to fail to live up to expectations.
3. Lorenzo Carter
Lorenzo Carter has worked his way back on the field due to injuries and a complete lack of options. Carter isn't a capable passer and at times has struggled against the run this season. Yes, there has been some improvement since his return but not enough to justify that many snaps against the Vikings.
Atlanta would be wise to continue to allow Arnold Ebiketie to be the primary edge rusher alternating the other side consistently. Yes, Ebiketie isn't an elite pass rusher but is currently Atlatna's best option. Carter's time with the team is coming to an end and the team would be wise to use the defender as a special teams piece.
This doesn't mean we completely don't see Carter on the field with the defense. However, putting him on the field for 38 snaps against the Vikings is entirely too many. Especially for a player that isn't a threat as a pass rusher and struggles to set the edge consistently. Why have someone on the field who is unable to fill either role? Atlanta should be focused on younger players or better run defenders that will help set the edge.
