While watching the Falcons handle the Colts on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, I couldn’t help but think about what could have been.
Maybe the Falcons would have a couple of more victories if Taylor Heinicke had started more than two games over Desmond Ridder. Perhaps they would have finished off more opponents if they’d pressured quarterbacks the way they did Gardner Minshew. It’s possible the offense wouldn’t have sputtered for three weeks if play-caller Arthur Smith had dedicated to running the ball like he did against the Colts.
The Falcons beat the Colts with their most complete effort of the season. But the 29-10 victory likely will end up for naught as far as the postseason goes. The Falcons (7-8) had a 13% chance of making playoffs before Sunday’s games, according to the NFL. They increased their chances by only a small amount by beating the Colts (8-7).
At least there can be no doubt about which quarterback should start the final two games. Against the Colts, Heinicke was all the things that Ridder was not. He was poised in the pocket, quick with his decisions and, most important, careful with the ball. Henicke was 23-of-33 passing for 229 yards with a touchdown and no turnovers.
The Colts scored a touchdown on the game’s opening drive. They scored three points over their next seven full possessions. The Falcons recorded a season-high six sacks, including two on third downs. The Colts failed to score on four possessions in the fourth quarter with two turnovers on downs and an interception.
Tyler Allgeier 31-yard touchdown run staked the Falcons to a 20-7 lead early in the third quarter. The advantage was 23-10 with 14:10 to play. that lead didn’t feel safe. The Falcons have struggled to finish games all season. Could they do it against the Colts and their middling QB, Minshew?
Yes, as it turned out. It was a fine game for the Falcons. Too bad it likely came too late to save their season.
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