As the Falcons lost to the Chargers, it felt like the passing game crisis hit its breaking point. While the horrific showing against Cincinnati was greatly concerning, it wasn’t a competitive game. A one-sided humbling will happen to teams not expected to compete for a playoff spot when they face a high-caliber opponent coming off a Super Bowl appearance. What happened against a severely flawed Chargers team was inexcusable.
Marcus Mariota only completed 12 of 23 passes for 129 yards against a below-average defense. The leading receiver was Kyle Pitts, for a measly 27 yards. Following several missed opportunities in the passing game, it raised the question of whether this passing game is truly this inept.