The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up to face the challenging Seattle Seahawks defense this Sunday in Atlanta. Both teams have seen significant changes since the hiring of their head coaches, Raheem Morris for the Falcons and Mike Macdonald for the Seahawks, who were appointed within a week of each other in January 2024.
As the Falcons approach this matchup with a record of 4-8, they find themselves in a difficult position, having lost six of their last seven games. This trend brings them closer to an eighth consecutive season without a playoff appearance. Atlanta”s recent performance includes a disappointing 27-24 defeat to the struggling New York Jets, and they now face an uphill battle against the Seahawks, who boast the NFL”s second-best run defense, allowing just 88.8 yards per game, and a scoring defense that ranks third, surrendering only 18.1 points per game.
“They are challenging on almost every single level,” Morris remarked about the Seahawks” defense. “They”re playing with a lot of confidence up front and across the board. They will be a really good challenge for our football team.”
Since quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was lost for the season due to a partially torn ACL, Kirk Cousins has stepped up, throwing for 433 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception over his last two games against the New Orleans Saints and Jets. With the offseason looming filled with uncertainties for the Falcons, Morris emphasized the importance of Cousins finishing the season strong over the final five games. “Obviously winning would be No. 1,” he stated. “I think he”s gone out the last two weeks and operated at a very high level. Not turning the football over, keeping our offense moving, being able to create down the field with our passing game. I think Kirk”s done a nice job of stepping in and taking over that leadership role.”
On the other hand, the Seahawks are riding high with a record of 9-3, having achieved a 19-10 mark since Macdonald took over at the start of the 2024 season. They are currently tied with the Los Angeles Rams for the lead in the competitive NFC West, with the San Francisco 49ers trailing just behind at 9-4. Seattle has won six of its last seven contests, including a dominant 26-0 victory against the Minnesota Vikings, marking their first shutout since September 2015.
Macdonald is cautious of a potential trap game, given that his team is favored on the road in Atlanta. “All right, whatever. Let”s go beat Atlanta,” he said. “You”ve got to look at each team independently to understand how they operate. … (Atlanta”s defense) does a really good job. They”re an aggressive unit. They play hard and do a really good job of affecting the quarterback.”
In their previous game, Sam Darnold threw for a season-low 128 yards, contributing to Seattle”s total of just 219 yards. However, the Seahawks” defense was formidable, limiting Minnesota to 162 yards while recording four sacks and four interceptions against quarterback Max Brosmer. “To be able to play with a defense like this is unbelievable,” Darnold stated. “I don”t take it for granted for one day.”
In injury news, Seattle received a boost as they designated safety Julian Love, defensive tackle Jarran Reed, and receiver Dareke Young to return from injured reserve. Love, a former Pro Bowl selection, has been sidelined since September 25 due to a hamstring injury. Macdonald expressed optimism but noted the need for a careful approach regarding Love”s return to the elite Seattle defense, stating, “We have a plan for him this week in terms of how he practices. We feel great about where he”s at. If everything goes perfectly to plan, when you”ve been out that long, you”ve got to have a ramp-up time back into it.”
For the Falcons, leading receiver Drake London did not participate in practice on Wednesday due to a knee issue and may miss his third consecutive game. Additionally, defensive linemen Brandon Dorlus and David Onyemata also missed practice, adding to the team”s challenges as they prepare for this crucial matchup.
