The Falcons dropped to 5-7 after Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. You all weren't thrilled about it, viewing it as an opportunity lost.
That prompted a ton of questions and comments about this team and its' immediate and long-term future.
RELATED CONTENT:
- Tori's Takeaways: Play in trenches tells the story of Falcons loss to Bucs
- 'We deserve to be where we're at: Despite dominant rushing attack, Falcons fall to Tampa Bay
- Bair: Playoffs still on the table, but getting hot is now a must
- No participation trophies after loss to Buccaneers: Inside Tori's Notebook
Let's get to them in Monday's edition of Bair Mail:
Jeff Stone from Roswell, Ga.
Since the running game was working so well, why didn't the Falcons try at least 1 running play when it was 1st down on the 1/2 yd line? It seems like a QB sneak or a Patterson run would have better than the pass when Matt was not getting much protection. As a 37-year season ticket holder, I am very frustrated with the offensive play calling.
Bair: Hey, Jeff. Love hearing from long-time Falcons fans. On to your question. Arthur Smith said after the game that he called a run on second down, when they botched a snap. It's fair to wonder why the Falcons executed a first down from the shotgun, but the Falcons have struggled in short-yardage situations this season, so slamming it up the middle hasn't worked terribly well. I think Smith is a quality schemer and play caller, though he's always open and honest about things that don't work. He evolves. Those are qualities you need from the guy with the play sheet.
Charles Jennings from California
Hey, so my question is the protection I know we talk about this every week. But people love to down Matt Ryan after a loss, but we see him get beat up by the best def lines. Is there something that can be done to help that situation??This was a two-part question...do we have a timetable on Calvin?? And third question will we have money to add more help to the core of the team.
Bair: Thanks for the question(s), Charles. Regarding issues with pass protection and pass rush, might I recommend Tori McElhaney's breakdown of those issues from Sunday night? She covers it well. I would agree that the Falcons do struggle against better defensive fronts, like we've seen against the Eagles, Cowboys and the Buccaneers twice now. Helping the situation must come in the offseason. Promoting someone from the second string isn't an upgrade for the Falcons. They'll have to re-invest in the front, maybe at right tackle, left guard or center, based on the team's evaluations.
On the other topics, Arthur Smith said Monday there's no update on Calvin Ridley. And, no, I wouldn't anticipate the Falcons adding receivers off the street who could upgrade the unit.
Deon Lewis from Atlanta
Why can't the falcons defense ever stop anybody? Our secondary is the reason we keep losing games. Even if we make a playoff run, the defense going to lose the game for us.
Bair: I understand your frustration, Deon, but I have to disagree with you here. I don't think the secondary's the main issue. It's that they're covering too long. The Falcons aren't generating much of a pass rush, especially when sending four. That's the main problem for me, even though I believe defensive backfield will look different next season than it does right now.
Chris Atlas from Marietta, Ga.
Hey Scott, it's been far too long. Anyway, while the Falcons played decent enough for almost 3 quarters and had some nice key moments, they committed to many self-inflicted wounds. I'm not going to harp on the O-line protection issues because that point has been belabored enough. Jake Matthews however is a veteran who shouldn't be getting flagged like he did AT HOME nonetheless. We had multiple QB/Center miscues, missed coverage and poor tackling in the secondary. Not scoring at the goal line. The refs def let Tampa get away with some calls too, but no excuses. Gage, Patterson, Pitts, Davis, Jarrett, Terrell, Davidson. In my opinion these are the group of guys who kept us in it and deserve some shine as well as Ryan who took a beating all day.
Bair: Thanks for the comments, Chris. Sometimes it's just good to vent. There were some solid individual performances, but this team, as currently constructed, needs to be nearly mistake-free to beat the top opposition. They didn't do that on Sunday.
Marcel Czech from Hamburg, Germany
I was very pleased that we have a solid defense and that we were able to run the ball again. But to be honest, our passing game sucks. In my opinion this is directly caused by the butterfingers of our so-called receivers and the O-Line that does literally nothing to protect Matt when he has to scan field. I'm convinced that if Matt gets the protection that belongs to a future HOF QB and our receivers step up and hold on the football, we're still able to be in mix for an 9-8 season. What do you think? PS: I really enjoy your content and wish all fellow Falcoholics a great Christmas time :)
Bair: Thanks for reaching out from across the pond, Marcel. Hope all is well. The Falcons receiver corps has been underwhelming since Calvin Ridley has been unavailable, even with Russell Gage heating up these past few weeks.
Tajae Sharpe has been okay, but they could use another threat in the pattern with Gage, Kyle Pitts and, sometimes Cordarrelle Patterson. That isn't available to them right now, though Hayden Hurst is set to return to practice and will help the passing game when he's active again.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 13.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee #52 celebrates after an interception for touchdown by defensive tackle Marlon Davidson #90 during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 celebrates after a play during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 makes a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 and linebacker Brandon Copeland #51 make a tackle during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs after catching a pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 makes a tackle during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 and cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 make a tackle during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 and cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 make a tackle during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs after catching a pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs after catching a pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs for yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #4 runs after catching a pass during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 and linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. #6 hit the quarterback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 attempts to catch a deflected pass during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #4 stiff arms a defender against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #4 stiff arms a defender against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 and linebacker Brandon Copeland #51 make a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 looks on during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 rushes the quarterback during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 rushes during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 scrambles out of the pocket against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs down field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Marlon Davidson #90 celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an interception during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Marlon Davidson #90 scores a touchdown after intercepting a pass during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates after a reception during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 tries to stay in bounds against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs down field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Erik Harris #23 is seen on the bench during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 makes a tackle during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 lines up during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 intercepts the ball and scores against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 lines up during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hands off during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during warm ups before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 reacts after a play during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 breaks up a pass during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 catches a pass for a first down during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs down field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans cheer during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs down field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs down field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 runs for yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 is seen on the bench during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 celebrates after making a tackle during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs for yards during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 rushes during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon #21 makes a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs for yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #4 is seen during the national anthem prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players are seen during the national anthem prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Duron Harmon #21 is seen during the national anthem prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 looks on during the national anthem before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 stands for the national anthem before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players pray before they warm up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the field prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs out before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 takes the field prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons prepare to take the field prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 prepares to take the field prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 walks out before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 looks on moments before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith walks out before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons Honorary Captain poses for a photo before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Steven Means #55 warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans cheer during the first half of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham #95 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Freddie Falcon and Little Fred pose for a photo during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the halo board during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
The High School Man of the Year Hugh Scarborough poses for a photo during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is seen on the field prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons CEO Steven Cannon shares a moment with the TAPS Fallen Hero family before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Vaughters #93 warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is seen with his sons on the field prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 signs an autograph before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans pose for a photo before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 makes a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 5, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Diane Donnelly from Lockerbie, Scotland
I know this isn't a question, but I'd just like to say that with this rollercoaster season the guys have maintained a positive outlook in the way they have dealt with setbacks. In my mind they are already champions. The talent is there, and it is just a matter of time before things go their way.
Bair: Another Falcons fan abroad! That's awesome. Like the glass-half-full outlook. I can say that the Falcons are fighters. That's a good start for a franchise trying to build itself back up.
Lewis Costa from Freehold Township, N.J.
Another home loss and yes we played them tough for about 3/4 of a game but that is no consolation, the one position that is really not talked about much and I think it is in need of a major upgrade is at safety/secondary especially Erik Harris he is always out of position can't cover anyone, Jaylinn Hawkins has shown some glimpses of hope let him play and get more experience and now that he is healthy give Kendall Sheffield a shot at the slot corner because to be honest when he and Isaiah Oliver were drafted he out played Oliver that first year but then get kept getting injured so that did not help his progression, I get it we are a team in flux with no $$ and it is kind of a mini-rebuild and 100% we need line help on both side of the ball. I will never stop supporting this team been a fan since 1980.
Bair: Thanks for the question, Lewis. I said above that I think the secondary has been fine, though some of you want to see some changes at safety. I think Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins are the future of the position. I also think it's possible Isaiah Oliver could return to a feature role in Dean Pees' defense.
I think the last draft was the big secondary investment, with Grant, Darren Hall and Avery Williams coming aboard. The team need another outside corner, but there are higher priorities out there.
Call for questions
Let's get the mailbag filled up with questions about the Falcons present and future in time for Wednesday's Bair Mail. Submit your inquiries right here.
Falcons Final Whistle | A Postgame Podcast
Break down the hottest topics surrounding the Atlanta Falcons and how they can impact the team's success with Falcons Insiders Scott Bair, Tori McElhaney and Terrin Waack. Like and subscribe to join us for the lively debate on Falcons Final Whistle.
Welcome to Falcons Final Whistle – an Atlanta Falcons football postgame podcast during the season that shifts gears in the offseason to answer a pressing question about the team's future each week through free agency, the NFL Draft and the offseason program.
