Falcons eliminated from playoff chase in a familiar fashion
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries against Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul (4) during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nick Wass]
BALTIMORE (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons saw their slim playoff hopes end by virtue of a chilling defeat that featured a familiar slow start and ended with coach Arthur Smith again talking about the team’s need to show progress. In between the opening kickoff and final whistle of Saturday’s 17-9 setback against the Baltimore Ravens, the Falcons were plagued by untimely penalties, a costly turnover and poor execution in the red zone. The loss eliminated Atlanta from playoff contention. It was a fate that seemed inevitable after the team took a nosedive following a 3-3 start.
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Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) reacts to the official after scoring on a touchdown that was called back due to an offensive penalty during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Julio Cortez
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Julio Cortez