Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Monday, Dec. 21

The Falcons choked again. That’s the introduction to Falcoholinks for your Monday.

Falcons - Bucs recap

The Atlanta Falcons once again hit the field without Julio Jones, and while the offense was operating surgically in the first half, it all came crashing down with another putrid second half performance as Tampa climbed out of a 17-0 hole to win 31-27. It’s more of the same for the 2020 Falcons, a team that cannot seal the deal.

Injuries

Another hit to the secondary on Sunday, as the Falcons would lose cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson in the first half due to an illness. Initially ruled as questionable, Wreh-Wilson would not return the game.

Left guard James Carenter also would leave the game after aggravating his groin injury.

Younghoe Koo breaks Matt Bryant’s record

Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo is enjoying one of the finest seasons in Falcons history, and on Sunday he broke Matt Bryant’s single-season record for field goals. His fourth-quarter 52-yarder to move the score to 27-24 was his 35th of the year.

Matt Ryan moves ahead of Fran Tarkenton

With his performance against the Bucs, Matt Ryan moves ahead of Fran Tarkenton for 10th all-time in passing touchdowns. Ryan currently sits at 343 career touchdown passes.

GM interviews

While the season is in the wrap-up phase for the Falcons, their search for the new regime is just starting to get rolling. We learned that they’ve recently interviewed one of the hottest names on the market, former Houston Texans GM Rick Smith, as well as internal candidate Anthony Robinson.

Their former general manager is receiving some attention as well, as Thomas Dimitroff is slated to be interviewed by the Detroit Lions this week.

Breaking down Matt Ryan’s contract

There’s been conversation about the possibility of the Falcons electing to move on from quarterback Matt Ryan, and while there’s been escalation of that topic after Ryan’s dreadful game against the Chargers, the math makes it highly unlikely.

Our Kevin Knight broke down Matt Ryan’s contract in his latest video, and explained why it will be near impossible for the Falcons to move on from Ryan in 2021.

The Falcoholic Live Postgame Special

If you didn’t happen to stick around after the game to catch the crew from The Falcoholic Live discuss what took place against the Bucs — you’re in luck! We have the full replay available so you can burn some time on your Monday morning.