The Atlanta Falcons suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, losing 31-25 in overtime to the Indianapolis Colts at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany. Head coach Raheem Morris noted after the game that each contest presents unique challenges and requires different approaches to secure a win.
A significant issue for the Falcons during this losing streak has been their difficulty converting on third downs. Over the last four games, Atlanta has managed just 8 conversions out of 40 third-down attempts, a success rate of 20 percent. Breaking it down further: on third downs with less than five yards to go, they converted seven times out of 17 chances; with six to ten yards remaining, they failed to convert any of their 18 opportunities; and for situations with more than eleven yards needed, they succeeded only once out of five tries.
Against the Colts specifically, the Falcons went without a single third-down conversion on eight attempts. This lack of execution prevented them from capitalizing when their defense regained possession through turnovers or stops.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. addressed this after the game: “We have to execute when we need it the most,” he said, emphasizing that third-down performance is critical.
The team’s inability to convert medium-range third downs—those between six and ten yards—may suggest struggles in their passing attack, especially under pressure from opposing defenses. Factors such as pass protection breakdowns, missed reads by Penix, or receivers failing to get open or make catches all contributed over nearly twenty instances during these four games.
“It’s something that we have to figure out,” Penix said. “… We gotta be better, and it starts with me.”
Penix expressed his frustration following the loss but recognized that these problems are not solely his responsibility: it’s an issue affecting the entire offensive unit.
“You’ve got to get better,” Morris said. “That was something that was a strength for us but has become a weakness the last two weeks. You have to find ways to convert those third downs. You have to get them shorter. You have to get them more manageable. When we do get in those third downs we have to get them. We can’t have drops. We can’t have any situational problems. Whatever the case may be, we have to figure out how to get those things done.”
On Sunday against Indianapolis, six of Atlanta’s eight third-down plays were from long distance—beyond seven yards—placing additional strain on an offense already struggling in obvious passing situations.
In recent matchups against teams like the Colts, Patriots, Dolphins and 49ers—all losses—the failure on crucial third-down plays proved decisive.
While Atlanta’s offense shows potential at times, its frequent difficulties on third down continue contributing significantly to recent defeats—a trend highlighted throughout this four-game skid.
