The Atlanta Falcons needed all the momentum they could get going into this next three-game run, which might be the most-difficult stretch that any team in the NFL faces this season.
Instead of looking their best, the Falcons have never looked more vulnerable after getting blown out 16-0 by the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. While the rain was a factor, it's tough to excuse such an all-around dud by Atlanta's offense.
They performed so poorly that ESPN beat writer Marc Raimondi called it "heinous" in his review.
"Was this just a rainy aberration for the Falcons' offense? Probably? If not, Atlanta is in a lot of trouble because that offensive "performance" was heinous. Coming in, the Falcons had scored the most points per game (31)
in the NFL since Penix returned in Week 3. On Sunday, it looked like he could not complete a pass -- to his own teammates, that is. He had no issue finding Buccaneers players, finishing with four interceptions. An ugly anomaly. At least, the Falcons hope it was."
Expect the heinousity to continue, because the Falcons' next opponents are vastly superior to the Tampa team that just embarrassed them.
First up, it's the 5-2 Cincinnati Bengals, where Joe Burrow is leading the league in touchdowns and passing yards and their defense has gone from bottom-of-the-pile to average. Then it's resurgent the 5-2 Kansas City Chiefs, who have two MVP candidates in Ken Walker and Patrick Mahomes. Finally, they'll face the 5-2 Detroit Lions, who are producing the most yards per game in the NFL this year.
The Falcons have to seriously consider making some moves before the trade deadline. Upgrading at wide receiver should be at the top of their list - which could potentially help get Michael Penix Jr. back on track.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN wonders if Falcons' loss was a 'just a rainy aberration'
