The Atlanta Falcons are looking to bounce back after falling in their last two games in different fashions.
The team allowed the Baltimore Ravens to come back and win in overtime two weeks ago, and last week the Falcons couldn't complete a comeback of their own against the Chicago Bears. They now turn their efforts to the San Francisco 49ers, who have yet to lose a game so far this season.
On this week's Falcons Roundtable, the staff discussed what needs to be done to get back in the win column and hand San Francisco their first defeat of the year.
After losing the last two games, how can the Atlanta Falcons get back on track?
Michael Brauner: It certainly isn't getting any easier this week. First things first, the Falcons need to run the ball and commit to building the offense around Bijan Robinson. If he can't have a strong day, Atlanta probably cannot win.
Christian Rauh: The way this team has lost the last two weeks has been confusing, and to me, that shows that they struggle with finding their identity. With the return of Penix to the lineup, they have to find a way to establish a balanced offense. That starts with Bijan Robinson.
San Francisco has yet to lose a game as they sit 6-0 on the season. What makes them so dangerous?
Michael Brauner: How much time do you have? They are elite on both sides of the ball, Brock Purdy has been making the right decisions and distributing the football to his playmakers. It's a rare occasion when the opponent has a running back as talented as Atlanta's, and Christian McCaffrey is rested up and ready to go.
Christian Rauh: Well said. Brock Purdy is surprising a ton of folks and once again proving that he is more than just a serviceable quarterback. He's an MVP candidate.
What is one position group that has either surprised or disappointed you so far this season?
Michael Brauner: The pass rush has been surprisingly effective for all the noise about it following the Jalon Walker injury and James Pearce Jr. suspension. If Atlanta can just hang on until Pearce returns, they may have a shot.
Christian Rauh: I'm still waiting to see more from the wide receiver room besides Drake London. Zachariah Branch, the rookie, has had high expectations, but they've yet to be met. I'd like to see maybe that change this weekend.
What Falcons player must step up in a big way to hand the 49ers their first loss of the year?
Michael Brauner: It's obvious, but Michael Penix is the guy here. Penix has been hot and cold, and if he cannot have a big day, it's going to be tough to pull off the upset. No turnovers and a couple of touchdowns would be a great start.
Christian Rauh: Penix and Robinson are the easy answers here, but I think they're going to need more than that on offense to get this win. Give me Kyle Pitts Sr. If he has a big game, that means they find ways to extend drives and control the time of possession. I think that's what Kevin Stefanski and the Falcons need to do.
Score prediction for Sunday between the 49ers and Falcons?
Michael Brauner: I think San Francisco is just too much. 49ers 34, Falcons 20
Christian Rauh: Atlanta can't prove they're consistent enough to take down a team that might be the best in the NFL at the moment. 49ers 38, Falcons 19