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The Falcons are very bad, and they did very bad things on the football field yesterday. A recap of the awful loss in Los Angeles and more in today’s Falcoholinks.
Falcons - Chargers recap
After a tight Battle of the Bad Teams, the Falcons goofed their way into a 20-17 loss after a pair of ill-timed Matt Ryan interceptions in the fourth quarter. It was looking ever likely before the outcome of this one, but it’s almost certain that Raheem Morris will not shed the interim head coach tag for 2021.
With the loss, the Falcons were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs — not that any of us saw that as any kind of realistic scenario.
Calvin Ridley hits 1,000 yards
It’s been a mostly mixed bag for this offense all season long, but Calvin Ridley has buoyed the receiving game when targeted. Yesterday he eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving, the first time in his young career.
Ryan breaks a record
Matt Ryan had a pretty abysmal game, but he did break Peyton Manning’s passing yardage record through 13 seasons. Ryan continues to rack up the the records.
Injuries
Marlon Davidson has had a rough rookie season in Atlanta, and he was unfortunately ruled out in the second half of yesterday’s game with a knee injury. It’s been an accursed first year for the young defensive lineman.
Steven Means nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
Established in 1970 and renamed in 1999, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award formally recognizes NFL players who have a significant impact in their community. The Falcons have nominated defensive end Steven Means this season, celebrating his achievements in social-justice and work with high school students on the importance of voting.
Coaching rumors
There are still games left to play this season, but the task looming largest for Atlanta is their search for a new head coach. NFL Network’s Steve Wyche spoke recently on some of the rumblings, and it’s no surprise that the Falcons have an interest in some of the most popular names on the market.
The Falcoholic Live Postgame Special
The gang from The Falcoholic Live did their usual postgame thing, breaking down Atlanta’s win/loss in Los Angeles. If you didn’t catch the live broadcast, the full episode is available right here.