Falcons trying to salvage playoff hopes
The Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys both sport 4-5 records. So why do the teams feel as though their seasons are going in different directions?
The atmosphere around the Atlanta camp was deflated after last week’s loss to the Browns, which put a damper on the team’s three-game winning streak. Dallas, on the other hand, is riding high after breaking a two-game losing streak last week with a win in Philadelphia.
“Trust me, we’re all pissed and disappointed,” Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said “But just like when we were 1-4, we didn’t plan on staying there. Certainly not backing off what we think we can get done this season.”
The Falcons have very slim playoff hopes now. They would almost need to run the table or go 6-1 at the very least to have a chance to get in the playoffs.
“We know what works, how to get ready,” Quinn said. “All that goes into to do that. That’s what our focus is, so when I spoke to the team and we got through all the truth and good plays, bad plays, all the things that went through it, we go forward in every single way that we can. So we’re really clear about where we thought we had the missed opportunities.”
Quinn also addressed his displeasure with how some of the players reacted after the game. Several refused to meet with the media and others gave short, curt responses.
“We have really high standards for the guys both on and off the field,” Quinn said. “So I definitely expect players to be mad or upset after a game. But what I do expect however is how we addressed the media. It’s part of our responsibility we have, and the players have great mentors here in this locker room, and guys that do it great.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan said the team needs to have a short memory and be ready to play the Cowboys on Sunday.
“We’ve certainly got our work cut out for us, but like every week it comes down to what we do and we’ve got to prepare really well and make sure when Sunday rolls around to 1 o’clock that we’re on top of our game plan and ready to play.”
SERIES HISTORY: 26th regular-season meeting. Cowboys lead series, 14-11. Falcons have won the last three meetings, most recently 27-2 in 2017 at the Georgia Dome.
