It can be difficult to maintain a measured outlook on a team that looks incredibly underwhelming on opening day after generating so much excitement early in the season. After a disastrous end to last year’s season, the Falcons have been tireless in rebuilding their roster and creating excitement about the direction of their franchise. An opening game against a vulnerable Pittsburgh team should have set the tone for the start of an exciting year. Instead, they were outclassed and outplayed on both sides of the ball in a frustrating defeat.

What left fans in disbelief was how stagnant and naive the offense was. They kept Kirk Cousins ​​​​in mostly shotgun and pistol formations. There was not a single pass attempt of more than 20 yards. Drake London did not get a single target in the second half. Worst of all, TJ Watt took charge in the second half without much resistance from the coaching staff and Kaleb McGary was well supported.

Despite all the schematic issues and lack of adjustments, Cousins ​​is ​​the biggest concern. His unwillingness to move in the pocket has raised eyebrows around the league. While he was never mobile, his inability to sense pressure and shift his feet to handle the rush severely limited an offense that was primed to thrive. It seems a bit harsh to hit the panic button after one game, even though it was a huge disappointment. Falcons fans seem to be hitting that button without hesitation.

Can the Falcons pull it together and prove that an opening weekend loss will be viewed as an aberration come the season? Let us know how you feel and check out tonight’s game odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.