Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons: Three reasons why they lost to the Buccaneers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball as tackle Demar Dotson (69) blocks Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (44) in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons’ inability to rush the passer led to the secondary being outplayed by Jameis

The Falcons’ secondary gave up receptions of 45, 30, 26, 23 and 17, three of which went for touchdowns.

Charles Simms started it off with a 23-yard catch-and-run at the end of the first half, and both Austin Seferian-Jenkins (30) and Mike Evans (45) made it a trio in the third quarter.

The Falcons’ secondary had a complete breakdown in the middle part of the game. Missed tackles, blown coverages and more resulted in three quick scores which ultimately put away the Falcons.

This all starts with the Falcons’ inability to rush the passer. the Falcons recorded zero sacks on the afternoon which gave Jameis Winston a clean pocket more times than not.

The Falcons’ secondary definitely isn’t the best in the NFL, but they’re good enough to keep most teams at bay. But without help from their defensive line, big plays like these are going to happen. So, place your blame wherever you see fit, but it all starts with the lack of pass rush.

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs the ball against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons could never get the run game going

The Falcons’ running attack on the afternoon was dreadful. Absolutely dreadful.

Atlanta finished with just 52 yards rushing on 22 carries, good enough for an average of 2.4 YPC.

Devonta Freeman rushed the ball 11 times for 20 yards, one of which included a 10-yard attempt. Take away his long run of 10 yards and he finishes with an abysmal 10 yards rushing on 10 attempts.

Tevin Coleman had a much better game than Freeman, but his performance rushing the ball was equally as bad. Coleman finished with 22 yards rushing on eight attempts. His team-high 95 yards receiving on five receptions made up for it, though.

With a non-existent running game, Matt Ryan and the Falcons were forced to throw the ball a little more than they would have liked. One of Atlanta’s main objectives in 2016 is to be balanced on offense. But we definitely didn’t get a taste of that against Tampa Bay.

Let’s hope the running game improves next week against the Oakland Raiders.

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan missed several big-play opportunities at inopportune times

Matt Ryan had a better-than-average game against Tampa Bay, but when it counted the most, he misfired.

His 27 of 39 afternoon that yielded 334 yards passing and two touchdowns was all fine and dandy, but his several pass attempts that sailed behind his receivers, and his poor overall decision-making on third downs sunk the Falcons when they needed him the most.

This performance was a perfect example of why offensive numbers don’t always tell the full story.

He missed some very easy throws, especially late in the game and that held the team back.

Ryan wasn’t the only reason the Falcons’ lost this game, but he’ll be the first to admit that he’s got to play even better if Atlanta want’s to fight their way back after starting off the season 0-1.