1. Younghoe Koo
In case you doubt that this was simply one off game for one of the best kickers in franchise history consider the fact Koo has made only two of his last seven attempts. It is time for the Falcons to be concerned about a player who has defined reliability before this three game stretch. It isn't time to give up on Koo just yet but the Falcons would be wise to bring a kicker into the practice squad. Put a bit of pressure on the starter and have a backup plan in case things continue to go sideways.
Great kickers have simply lost their confidence and that is on the table it is what has happened to Koo. It seems more likely the Atlanta kicker will alter his motion that limits his range but put him among the league's most consistent kickers. Trust Koo to make the adjustment and give him at least one more game to prove this was simply one bad stretch.
With that said, this bad stretch cost the Falcons a valuable win in a playoff race. Losing to New Orleans whose season is already over is completely unacceptable and the majority of the blame is on Koo.
2. Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins defined clutch against the Eagles and Bucs this season. The veteran quarterback pulled two wins from what appeared to be a certain defeat. Again the quarterback was asked to do this against a much lesser defense and a struggling roster. Cousins did put Koo in a position to take control of the game but understanding the struggles of the kicker it appeared the veteran pressed.
There was no need to force the ball to Drake London resulting in an interception that all but ended the game. You had all the time in the world and more downs to force the ball if put into desperation mode. It was as bad of a pick as we've seen from Cousins and isn't acceptable.
Despite this failure, the defense earned you a chance at redemption and you respond by fumbling and taking a sack you simply cannot in that spot. You're driving with a chance to get in field goal range and give Koo a chance at redemption. Instead, you fumble backward and on a 4th down desperation time don't manage to get the ball past the sticks or attempt a last-gasp throw for a score. Just an all-around complete masterclass on how not to manage the end of a game.
3. Terry Fontenot
How does someone earn blame that isn't coaching and has no chance to take the field? The answer to that question lies in Atlanta's pass rush and their rookie draft class. This is a team that is a player or two away from being a real conference contender. The team had the draft picks and cap space to make the needed moves to put themselves in a far better position.
Atlanta's GM understood the desperation of the pass rush and the need for better depth. Looking at the draft class that has been added in there are very few positive contributions. Atlanta could have selected a fan to manage this draft class and had a better shot at finding production. Brandon Dorlus remains inactive and the remainder of Atlanta's rookie class even when healthy struggles to get on the field.
This idea that the Falcons are building to contend long-term is great in theory, however, nothing is promised in this league. You have your weapons on rookie contracts paired with veteran defensive leaders each season you punt on is a year closer to the end of this core. In a wide-open conference, the GM's failure to fix the pass rush or add in impactful rookies is glaring.
4. Raheem Morris
This is the second time we've seen Atlanta approach a game after a big win with zero energy. After big division wins the Falcons hosted the Seattle Seahawks and were demolished in their own building. It was the first blowout loss of the season and a complete mess from Atlanta. It looked as if the Falcons believed their own press clippings and thought simply showing up would result in a win.
That should have been a wakeup call to this roster that has a history of winning nothing of note. Each week should be approached with energy and focus. However, that wasn't the case yet again with Atlanta looking flat and uninterested in New Orleans.
Yes, you can only do so much as a head coach but coming out this flat against a 2-7 Saints team who is on a seven-game losing streak is frustrating. You understand their level of desperation and the energy of a coaching change. There is no reasonable answer for not expecting an early punch and having your team ready to counter. New Orleans is so talent devoid they kept giving you chances to climb back and take control and still, you had no answers.
