On the hot seat: The Falcons’ short-yardage offense

The Falcons’ short-yardage offense will be on the hot seat against the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

The Falcons have struggled to pick up a yard or two when they really need it. This problem should have been rectified after the Super Bowl, which saw the team passing on a third-and-1 play while trying to protect a lead.

They were stuffed and fumbled on the 1-yard line against New Orleans in the 23-13 loss last week.

There was the Jet-Sweep against New England.

Earlier in the season, they failed on third-1 and fourth-and-1 against Buffalo.

The Falcons’ short-yardage and power package has been lacking except for when they used defensive tackle Dontari Poe at fullback.

“It takes all 11 guys in those short-yardage opportunities, whether it be third-and-1 or a fourth-and-1 situation, or a goal-line situations” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “All 11 guys have to be on the same page doing their job. That’s what we have to focus on.”

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