As we gear up for the 2023 NFL season, let's take a moment to review the Atlanta Falcons' 2022 campaign. Their previous season was a tale of highs and lows, with several standout moments and areas for potential growth.
The Falcons navigated a challenging season, culminating in a 7-10 straight-up record. Despite the hurdles, the 2022 season did deliver some promising sparks the team could use as a launching pad for the upcoming 2023 season.
The Good
Facing adversities head-on, the Falcons displayed a commendable level of grit, particularly in away games. Their Away Against The Spread (ATS) record stood at 5-3 in the 2022 season, indicating their tenacity when out of their home comfort zone. This resilience offers a glimmer of optimism for the Falcons' future.
This was notably evident in their Week 4 triumph over the New York Giants, where they claimed a hard-fought 24-20 victory on the road. In Week 14, they again rose to the occasion, besting the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 on foreign soil. These performances highlight the Falcons' potential to deliver under pressure against formidable opponents.
The Bad
However, the Falcons' 2022 season wasn't all smooth sailing. Their 7-10 straight-up record left them missing out on playoff contention, exposing areas in dire need of attention. One area of concern was their home performance, with the Falcons managing only a 3-5 straight-up home record, a figure that will undoubtedly spur introspection among the team and its fanbase.
For instance, their Week 9 home clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers resulted in a disappointing 31-21 loss, emphasizing their struggle to capitalize on home field advantage. From a betting standpoint, the Falcons were a somewhat volatile bet, closing the season with a 7-10 ATS record. This inconsistency was illustrated in their narrow 23-20 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16, even though they were favored.
The Ugly
The most pressing issue for the Falcons in the 2022 season was their underwhelming offensive production. They ranked 26th out of 32 teams for points scored per game. In the competitive landscape of the NFL, such offensive shortcomings can seriously hinder a team's pursuit of success.
The extent of this problem was starkly exposed in their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, where they managed a paltry 17 points. Their home struggles against the spread were equally concerning. Out of the eight home games, the Falcons could only cover the spread three times. This trend was painfully obvious in Week 12, when they fell 30-17 to the New Orleans Saints at home, failing to cover the spread once again.
Looking Ahead
Despite the tough 2022 season, the Falcons can utilize these experiences as stepping stones for 2023. By concentrating on their offensive deficiencies and striving to bolster their home record, the Falcons could indeed turn the tide in the upcoming season. An off-season focusing on these problem areas might be the recipe for a more fruitful 2023 campaign. As we move closer to the new season, all eyes will be on how the Atlanta Falcons gear up for the challenges that lie ahead.
