The Seahawks head to Atlanta this weekend to face the Falcons, their second trip to Atlanta in as many seasons. The Seahawks (9-3) are looking to keep pace with the NFC's other top teams, while the Falcons are trying to right the ship having lost six of their last seven.
To help you get ready for this week's game and learn more about the Falcons, we reached out to atlantafalcons.com senior reporter Tori McElhaney with five questions about the Seahawks' Week 14 opponent.
At 3-2, the Falcons looked like they were going to be right in the mix in the NFC South, but they've lost six of seven since then, including three losses by one-score margins. What has gone wrong for the Falcons to fall out of contention over the last month and a half?
McElhaney: Losing six of your last seven in just as many weeks will do that to a team. At this point the odds of a postseason berth is miniscule at best. Earlier this week, Will McFadden actually broke it down, and it's going to take quite the feat to see Atlanta atop the NFC South. Ultimately, the Falcons have not been able to pull out wins, even when they go into the fourth quarter with a lead. Case in point? The Falcons last three of four games saw them hold a lead into the final quarter only to lose.
The Falcons' problem isn't talent — it's execution in critical moments.
Bijan Robinson is on pace to put up more than 2,000 scrimmage yards. What has the third-year back come to mean to this offense, especially as Michael Penix' injury led to a midseason change at quarterback?
McElhaney: He means everything. Full stop. End of sentence.
Robinson's accolades are numerous, more than any player I have covered for this organization since the Matt Ryan/Julio Jones days. He's a special talent, and there are few who rival Robinson in production and — I would add — overall talent. Since he was drafted No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons three seasons ago, he's been one of the league's brightest young stars.
Unfortunately, the Falcons overall record does not match the magnitude of the year Robinson has singularly had. And I think that is my worry about Robinson right now, that he is being overshadowed by other backs who are on teams pushing for postseason looks. That doesn't take away that Robinson is a player who's talent becomes a work of art and defies science when he steps on a football field.
You highlighted the Atlanta’s special teams issues in Sunday’s loss, how big of a factor has that been for the Falcons this season, and how do they go about fixing it?
McElhaney: It's not a one-size-fits-all issue. The Falcons have seen problems in muffed punts, missed kicks and punt/kickoff returns. There isn't just one thing or a magical pill they can take to change that many entities. And I will be honest that it actually goes back to fundamentals of the game, particularly in the return game.
It's about lane integrity, winning your matchup long enough to maintain it. Simple stuff: Blocking, tackling, executing and being where you're supposed to be. I wish there were a more complex explanation, but I don't think there is. It's fundamentals — and the Falcons aren't executing them consistently.
Aside from the obvious big names, what player or players could you see being an X-factor in this game?
McElhaney: Well, the Falcons ruled out star receiver Drake London Friday as he continues to work through a knee injury, so Kirk Cousins is going to continue to rely upon a hodgepodge of receivers to help make up for London's absence. That includes Darnell Mooney, who came out of 2024 putting up career numbers, but hasn't been near that form this year. The Falcons released their No. 3 option in Ray-Ray McCloud earlier in the season. And to make matters worse, two of their trusted backups — KhaDarel Hodge and Casey Washington — have been healthy scratches of late. The Falcons have pieced the position together with practice squad elevations recently. Of course, it still helps that Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson play a major role in the pass game, but if the run gets taken away (which I fear it will based on the way this Seattle run defense has been playing all year), I do fear that the Falcons' counterpunch could be lacking if they aren't on their Ps and Qs.
What matchup or matchups are you most looking forward to seeing play out on Sunday?
McElhaney: It has to be A.J. Terrell vs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, right? Smith-Njigba has been on a roll, but so has Terrell.
A sign of respect to corners in this league is when a quarterback is actively choosing to not throw your way, and that is what we have seen happen game after game in Atlanta with opposing quarterbacks refusing to throw Terrell's way. He's only been targeted 35 times through Week 13, which is the fewest among all NFC cornerbacks with at least 300 coverage snaps this season.
He is also No. 1 in receptions allowed and yards allowed among that group with 20 and 200, respectively. Terrell has given up just 0.6 yards per snap in coverage through 13 weeks, tied for the fewest in the conference. Oh, and he also hasn't given up a touchdown this year. He's playing nearly lights out.
But so is Smith-Njigba, right? I saw a stat recently that was pretty bananas, that Sam Darnold and Smith-Njigba have combined for more play-action passing yards by themselves than eight entire NFL offenses. I have no doubt that Smith-Njigba is going to get his Sunday, but I wouldn't be surprised if Terrell has a say about keeping his numbers a little lower if he's the one in coverage.
The Seahawks will play the Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during Week 14 of the 2025 season. Take a look back at photos throughout history between the two teams.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) scrambles in the second half at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002. (AP Photo/Alan Mothner)
Seattle Seahawks' Jerramy Stevens (86) celebrates his second quarter touchdown with Bobby Engram (84) against the Atlanta Falcons in Seattle Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander crosses the goal line on a second-quarter touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
The Seattle Seahawks held Warrick Dunn to 54 yards in a 21-18 Seahawks victory in Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick fumbles as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks' Chad Brown during the first quarter in Seattle Sunday Jan. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Jerramy Stevens (86) is congratulated by teammate Shaun Alexander after a 3-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, in Seattle. The Seahawks won, 28-26. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander (37) breaks from a diving Atlanta Falcons' Bryan Scott with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) watching from behind in Seattle Sunday Jan. 2, 2005. The Seahawks won, 28-26. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Lofa Tatupu (51) reacts after sacking Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick in the second quarter Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005, in Seattle. The Seahawks won, 21-18. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) breaks through the line for a touchdown on Sunday , Dec. 30, 2007, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Seattle Seahawks receiver Bobby Engram (84) reaches past Atlanta Falcons' Antoine Harris for a touchdown after making a catch in the second quarter of a football game Sunday , Dec. 30, 2007 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Seattle Seahawks running back Maurice Morris (20) is stopped by Atlanta Falcons' Chris Houston (23) after making a catch during the first quarter on Sunday , Dec. 30, 2007, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ben Obomanu makes a toe-tapping reception in the back of the end zone for a score in a game against the Falcons on December 19, 2010. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 34-18.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cameron Morrah dives over Falcons defenders on his way down the field during a game on December 19, 2010.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck directs traffic down field as he prepares to attempt a pass during a game on December 19, 2010.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Raheem Brock pressures Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan as he attempts a pass down field during a game on December 19, 2010.
Seattle Seahawks defenders tackle and attempt to strip the ball from Atlanta running back Michael Turner during a game on October 2, 2011. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 30-28.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson attempts a pass down field during a game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 2, 2011.
Seattle Seahawks Marshawn Lynch leaps into the end zone to score a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman goes up to tip a pass intended for Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones during a game on January 13, 2013.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller prepares to make a touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone during a game on January 13, 2013.
Seattle Seahawks captains await the drop of the coin prior to kickoff during a game against the Falcons on January 13, 2013. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 30-28.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch makes his way around the edge of the Atlanta defense during a game on November 10, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Falcons 33-10.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril puts pressure on Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan during a game on November 10, 2013.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch heads to the field at the Georgia Dome during a game on November 10, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Falcons 33-10.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver attempts to pull down a reception over Atlanta cornerback Asante Samuel during a game on November 10, 2013.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson sends a pass down field during a game against the Atlanta on October 16, 2016.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril delivers a hit to quarterback Matt Ryan jarring the ball loose causing a Falcons fumble during a game on October 16, 2016.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Devin Hester returns a punt down the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons during a game on January 14, 2017. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 36-20.
Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor makes a leaping attempt to block an Atlanta field goal during a game on January 14, 2017.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tanner McEvoy heads down the sideline as an Atlanta defender attempts to tackle him during a game on October 16, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Falcons 26-24.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham makes a touchdown grab with an Atlanta defender draped on him during a game on November 20, 2017.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson prepares to attempt a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during a game on November 20, 2017.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin pulls down a reception against the Atlanta Falcons during a game on November 20, 2017. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 34-31.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett makes a diving catch while falling out of bounds during a game on November 20, 2017. The Falcons defeated the Seahawks 34-31.
