Falcons Coach Arthur Smith Reveals Reason Behind Loss vs. Chargers
The Atlanta Falcons are heading back to the drawing board after their 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday.
In a game that comes down to a game-winning field goal, every play counts, and head coach Arthur Smith pointed to the team's third-down woes in the loss.
"Usually what it comes down to is third down," Smith said. "Miscommunication there ... I don't think we even got to the top of the drop. That happened on two straight third downs and that's usually the case. We made some adjustments (but) obviously we didn't make enough plays."
The Falcons converted just 5 of 11 third-down chances, good for 45 percent, which matches with their season average and ranks them sixth in the league. However, the Falcons want to be even better in that department.
"Really when it comes down to it, we've just got to be better on third down," Marcus Mariota said. "They had some things on defense, got some free hitters - and that's on me, I've got to do a better job with protections. This game's always going to be won and lost on third down, and when you're not converting these third downs, and on the flip side they're getting these long drives, they make the plays when they need to, unfortunately you're going to find yourself on the losing end."
The Chargers completed 8 of 16 third-downs, and several scoring drives were extended because of the defense's inability to get the punt team out.
If the Falcons can figure out their third-down woes, more wins should be in their future. Luckily for Atlanta, its opponent this week, the Carolina Panthers, boast a league-worst 26.7 percent on third down.
The Falcons and Panthers play Thursday at 8:15 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
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