4 Falcons who must show improvement to keep winning streak alive vs. Seattle

1. Matthew Judon

With the complete lack of capability from the rest of the Atlanta Falcons pass rushers it is hard to hold Judon completely accountable for the struggles. Despite not having the sack expected six games in Judon is impacting plays and made arguably THE play allowing Atlanta to beat the Saints. His impact has been consistent prior to last week's struggles.

However, with Atlanta's current lineup. Judon has to be better for this defense to have a chance. The pass rusher must do a far better job not only getting home but playing contain. A part of why Atlanta's run defense is so bad is the fact their desperation to get to the passer has them containing the pocket poorly.

Allowing limited runners in Baker Mayfield and Andy Dalton to gash the defense with long scrambles. If there is one hope for the Atlanta pass rush on Sunday, it is Judon having a big game. One the team desperately needs as they continue to buy time to make the needed improvements. Judon is betting on himself not being handed a new contract after the trade. Now is the time to begin to pay it off and play at the level you were early in the season.

2. Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts finished the game with over 70-yards and the longest catch of the night against Carolina. The reason why the receiver makes the list is obvious. Mark Sanchez and the FOX broadcast roasted Pitts' lack of effort and what appeared to be giving up on a route.

One mistake and shot fired wouldn't be a big deal for Pitts if this were anywhere close to the first time this concern has been voiced. Dating back to his rookie season with Matt Ryan there were questions about his ability to finish plays. Ryan would be fighting for his life buying time in the pocket and it appeared that Pitts simply shut the play down.

Last season the same concern was brought up and explained away by Kyle's knee injury being far worse than many understood. What is the answer now? No matter whether you buy the explanation for the play or not there are reasons to question his effort. Often the tight-end appears to play small and not finish through the whistle. With these concerns brought up anew how does Pitts respond? Could we see a more locked in version of the tight-end vs. Seattle?

3. A.J. Terrell

Atlanta's best corner is now paid as one of the top corners in the league. His level of play hasn't been up to expectations or matching what you would expect from a team's best corner. A lot of the frustrations from the Carolina game are going to be covered over by the fact Terrell finally picked off a pass.

The interception off Andy Dalton went a long way in redeeming the struggles that A.J. dealt with against a very middling Panthers receiver. Now, however, you won't have the luxury of making the same mistakes. Against the Seahawks' talented trio of receivers if you make the same mistakes it is far more likely to cost you six points.

A.J. Terrell needs to live up to the contract he was given starting by consistently winning against average receivers. You aren't asking Terrell to go out and win every down but simply don't make the same sloppy mistakes we have seen the last two weeks. Against the Bucs and Baker Mayfield was far more understandable, having the same struggles against the Dalton-led Panthers is another thing entirely.

Falcon fans will be keeping a close eye on Terrell early in this game to see how he responds and whether or not the deal could prove to be a mistake.

4. Kirk Cousins

This may seem an odd inclusion when you look at the final box score and see how Cousins finished vs. Carolina. However, those watching the game from the first snap know just how shaky Cousins was early on. Yes, the quarterback figured things out and protected the football but it was an offensive week defined by Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson.

While Seattle's run defense ranks among the worst in the league they will do their best to force Cousins to beat them. Understanding the talent in Atlanta's backfield it would be surprising not to see the pressure put on Kirk Cousins early.

Atlanta needs the quarterback they watched against Tampa and the second half against Carolina to show up from the first snap. This is going to be a difficult game with Seattle having extra rest to ready themselves to fight for playoff relevance.

The Falcons cannot afford Cousins to struggle early the way he did against Carolina. The quarterback being locked in early and keeping the defense off the field for extended rest is key. As that happens the run game will open up and the Falcons should be able to win their fourth straight.