Atlanta Falcons Looking Up

The Atlanta Falcons are currently in a spot to host a playoff game. They are 5-7. However, things have been going a lot better recently. They have won 3 of their last 4, and they have played really well in their past 5 games. Their offense has been clicking, and the defense has been able to make crucial stops, and force turnovers. What's gone well? Do the Falcons have a legit hope for the playoffs, or should they tank, and go for a higher draft pick? 

The Atlanta Falcons are playing better football in all three phases. The offense was clicking last week, even without Roddy White. The only thing about the offense was they couldn't take advantage of red zone opportunities. Most of the time they could only score a field goal, when they really needed a touchdown. That has been a constant all year though. If the Falcons can take advantage of opportunities in the red zone, they could possibly make a run in the playoffs. 

The defense has stepped up majorly in the last few games. To give you some perspective, in five games that the Falcons have lost, they've given up 149 points, in the five games they've won, they've only given up 100 points. That's seven less touchdowns. Another crazy thing is that the Falcons could easily be 7-5 right now. I think we can all agree that they should've beaten both Cleveland and Detroit. The talent and personnel are there, now it's just a question of execution down the stretch. 

Atlanta Falcons defense exiting the tunnel in the Georgia Dome

Even the special teams has been better. Matty Ice II (Matt Bryant) is 14 for his last 14, while Devin Hester has started to pick up the return game again. Matt Bosher (Jeez, how many "Matt"s play for the Falcons) has been a great punter, pinning teams well inside their territory. 

Like I said the pieces are there, now it's just a matter of figuring out how to put the puzzle together.