National Football League

Bird is the Word: Falcons face tough road ahead

Published Oct. 21, 2014 8:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Atlanta Falcons have lost four games in a row and sit in third place in the NFC South at 2-5.

But the division isn't very strong this season, as the Carolina Panthers sit on top at 3-3-1. While the numbers say that the Falcons could very much climb back into the race to win the NFC South, realism says that this team isn't playing well enough for that consideration.

Atlanta's defense is porous, and the offense hasn't been living up to expectations for four games.

There's also the fact that the Falcons face a tremendously difficult schedule with five games left against teams in sole possession, or with a share of the lead in their division. Atlanta also must face seven teams with a .500 record or better.

There are only nine games left on Atlanta's schedule.

In the NFL, there always seems to be a chance for teams to turn things around. But with Atlanta struggling on offense and defense, and injuries --the Falcons lost their fourth starting offensive lineman, and second starting center, to a season-ending injury -- destroying the depth on this roster, the chance is very slim.

Bird is the Word: Falcons face tough road ahead by Fox Sports South Podcasts on Mixcloud