Atlanta Falcons Goal Line Offensive Struggles Lead to Loss vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Atlanta Falcons fell to the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 on Sunday afternoon, and a sequence that came back to bite the Birds was a golden touchdown opportunity wasted in the first half.
The Falcons returned a Vikings fumble to the one-yard line, and in three tries from the goal line, failed to get into the end zone. First, a false start from Chris Lindstrom backed the team up five yards, followed by a gain of five yards, no gain on second down and a loss of four on third down.
Atlanta then settled for a field goal, but the point remains the same: the goal line offense is an issue for the Falcons, and it was one reason they lost on Sunday afternoon. To make matters worse, star rookie running back Bijan Robinson was not on the field for any of those plays.
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Van Jefferson (15) tries to make a catch over Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks Mekhi Blackmon (5) and Byron Murphy Jr. (7) on the final play of the game during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The game also marked the first for Taylor Heinicke as the team's new starting quarterback, and although his day was productive, it wasn't enough to push his team to a win. Heinicke went 21-of-38 through the air for 268 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The aforementioned Robinson only had 51 yards on the ground, and although that was a team high, it has become a troubling trend in recent weeks that his production has not been as strong. Perhaps he's a focus for opposing defenses, but either way, with the quarterback position still in a transition period, Robinson needs touches, especially near the goal line.
The loss on Sunday knocked the Falcons to 4-5 overall on the season, and they will travel to face the Arizona Cardinals next week at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.
