Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith at the NFL Fan Rally at Trafalgar Square in advance of the International Series game between the Detroit Lions and the Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith at the NFL Fan Rally at Trafalgar Square in advance of the International Series game between the Detroit Lions and the Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons

The most recent calamity for the Falcons, in which they blew a 21-0 halftime lead in route to a 1-point loss in London, was sadly just the latest black mark for Atlanta’s NFL team. Things began in promising fashion for the Falcons, as they toppled the Saints in the opener and accumulated a 2-1 record, but Mike Smith’s team has now lost five consecutive games, and there have been (multiple) calls for his job.

Offensively, things have been just fine for the Falcons, who have scored 221 points in eight games to go along with a top-10 DVOA rating, but injuries are beginning to mount. Atlanta has been unable to protect Matt Ryan at times, and with their massive issues defensively (especially in pass rush), things have go perfectly for the Falcons on the offensive side of the ball.

Hilariously, Atlanta is still very much in the thick of the NFC South race despite a 2-6 record (Carolina “leads” the way at 3-4-1), but most Falcons fans are simply looking forward to 2015 at this point.

Grade: D

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