Something else that Nerdy Birds expertly pointed out this week is the impact of the penalties imposed by this offense To this offense.

According to Tru Media, Atlanta lost 21.4 expected extra points due to offensive penalties. Additionally, the Falcons scored a touchdown on 26.6% of drives without a penalty, but only on 11.8% of drives that resulted in a penalty. Atlanta’s red zone efficiency also drops significantly, increasing from 65.2% on trips without a penalty to just 22.2% on trips with a penalty.

So the stats prove it: Penalties have been a problem for the Falcons.

Personally, I firmly believe that if the Falcons aren’t penalized for offense, we’ll feel differently about what we see from the unit. I don’t think there’s anything consistently wrong with the play calling, the scheme, or even the execution within the plays themselves. It’s the penalties. Looking back at recent losses, there is a direct correlation between increasing red zone penalties and a stalling offense. These penalties directly impact how we currently think about this offense. It is up to the unit to make a change.

This may be my hottest approach yet in 2024, but hear me out before you make any rash decisions.

In my opinion – and offensive efficiency aside – the only way for the Falcons to win this game on Sunday is to impact Herbert. If they don’t, when he feels like he has comfort, ease and time in the pocket, he’ll rip that defense apart. The Falcons are coming off a game in which Bo Nix put up historic numbers for a rookie quarterback in Denver. I would argue Herbert is better, which should be a concern considering what this defense looked like last time out.

That’s why I choose Judon. I don’t think Atlanta wins this game without strong defense, and that includes Judon.

Judon wasn’t the pressing player the Falcons – or the man himself – wanted in 2024. In fact, I view this prediction as more of a challenge than anything else: Be the guy the Falcons sent the Patriots a third-round pick to acquire. Be the double-digit sack machine with red sleeves dominating the front. If the Falcons get Judon this Sunday, I think this game will be extremely interesting.

When the Falcons’ pass rush becomes stagnant, allowing Herbert to throw the ball around the yard without concern or contention…

The result will not be what the Falcons need.