The Falcons have played in 12 games so far this season. Nine of those games have been decided by one score. In many of them, the final possession held the key to a win or loss. The Falcons are 4-5 in those games.
In all of those losses, something “unfortunate” happened: One moment that could be pointed to as the play that altered the outcome.
Mariota’s dropped snap on third and one with 1:37 remaining in the Falcons Week 1 loss to the Saints. The Jalen Ramsey endzone interceptions a week later in Los Angeles. The now infamous Grady Jarrett roughing the passer call when he sacked Tom Brady in Week 5. Ta’Quon Graham’s fumble recovery and subsequent fumble that gave the ball back to the Chargers for a game-winning field goal three weeks ago. And now, the tipped pass intercepted by the Commanders in the endzone.
All of these moments? They’re what many could – and probably did – consider “unfortunate” at the time they happened.
At what point, though, does “unfortunate” become “unacceptable?” At what point is a play deemed a good play by the opposing team vs. a misstep or a miscue by the Falcons? At what point does that become the neurological pathway this team publicly follows?
Is what happened on Sunday unfortunate? Yes. Did the Falcons have every opportunity to win the game? Thus, making a lack of execution within a few different moments in the game unacceptable? Also, yes.
Both can be true, and likely are behind closed doors. But the overwhelming use of the word “unfortunately” paints a different public image, one that feels accepting when it’s likely not.
In his postgame press conference, Allgeier said something I found very profound for a rookie running back. He said – in essence – that good teams are competitive in games, but great teams finish them.
I’d take it a step further: Good teams have unfortunate things happen to them. Great teams deem those unfortunate circumstances unacceptable. So much so that they don’t become reoccurring in theme.
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