Atlanta Falcons: Super Bowl Hangover is Setting In

The Atlanta Falcons vowed that the heartbreaking defeat in the Super Bowl would not haunt them going into 2018. It would make them stronger.

Well somebody better remind them of that because they have looked nothing like the team they were a year ago when they beat up the best of the NFC and the mighty Patriots for three quarters. Never was that clearer than against the Arizona Cardinals in the third preseason game. Everybody agrees this is the tuneup contest for the regular season when the starters play at least a half and sometimes into the third quarter. So the early results can be telling.

Suffice to say they weren’t good for Atlanta. Not only did their defense look vulnerable by allowing 17 points in the second quarter. The offense really showed how big the loss of Kyle Shanahan might be. Ryan wasn’t crisp in his operation at all. He went just 4-of-11 for 36 yards and an ugly interception.

The Falcons didn’t score until just before the half ended and it was a field goal. Considering they were at home in their brand new building, this cannot be a good omen for the upcoming season. Atlanta remains favorites in the NFC South but the quality of the division makes that a tenuous reality. They’ve done nothing to this point to prove they’re the same team.

Sure maybe they’re just going through the motions and will flip the switch come opening day in Chicago. Then again that the line so many Super Bowl hangover teams have used in the past. Getting that far in a season only to lose is damaging to the psyche. Many teams in recent years not only failed to get back, but failed to make the playoffs again. Their rival Carolina Panthers being an example.

Something needs to change or they’re only going down as yet another victim.