Fansided

How did each NFL team grade out now that the Super Bowl is over?

By Rucker Haringey

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out on a pass play in the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out on a pass play in the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first half of an NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Bucs on December 30, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first half of an NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Bucs on December 30, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons-C

The Falcons may have finished the season at 7-9, but they never really felt like a team that was really going to be a playoff threat. In fairness to Dan Quinn and his coaching staff, a boatload of injuries really put this team behind the eight ball.

The biggest problem the Falcons offense experienced in 2018 was an inability to run the football. For all of the justified hype that Matt Ryan and Julio Jones receive, this team was built around dominating the line of scrimmage. Injuries to the offensive line and Devonta Freeman made Atlanta far too dependent on the pass. Ultimately, the Falcons finished 27th in the NFL with 98.3 yards per game on the ground.

Things for the team’s defense were even worse. Losing Deion Jones certainly hurt the group, but the drop off should not have been this severe. Finishing 25th in the league in points allowed doomed this team to mediocrity.

The biggest question for the Falcons moving forward is whether or not they can close the gap with the Saints in one season. Getting players healthy will be a big help, but fans should be nervous over just how big the difference between Atlanta and New Orleans really is.

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