Less than a month ago, the Falcons were at a complete crossroads. A second half meltdown in Pittsburgh left them at 1-4. It was the first game where the defense wasn’t squarely responsible for a defeat since the opening night red zone debacle in Philadelphia. What seemed like an unstoppable offense couldn’t find a rhythm against Pittsburgh’s swarming defense. As painful as the loss was, the locked room remained together. There were no fingers being pointed at one another or talk about injuries. They knew they were too talented to continue losing in a dramatic or ugly manner.
That notion proved to be accurate.