Atlanta Falcons players talked about it during training camp, Dan Quinn echoed his players’ thoughts. Owner Arthur Blank said in the preseason, nothing less than a trip to Miami would cost people jobs. After three weeks, the Atlanta Falcons clearly are not a Super Bowl contending team.
The good news is they do not have to be.
Playing at a high level in September for football teams is inconsequential and does not win any trophies or rings. Teams want to be playing their best football heading into December as they work toward the end of the year and the playoffs.