The downfall of the Atlanta Falcons continues as the team is a far cry from the 5-0 start they had at the beginning of the year. Currently on a five-game losing streak, the Falcons are coming off another disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Frustrations are beginning to run high as the defense does their part while the offense stalls out. With questions now surrounding the play calling of Kyle Shanahan, both Julio Jones and Matt Ryan are speaking out.
The Falcons signed Jones to a five-year deal this offseason making him the franchise star. However, the receiver has gone four games without a touchdown while putting up eight catches for 93 yards. The lack of scoring is not necessarily his fault as the play calling in the red zone has featured more less Jones and more field goals. The receiver tried to downplay his frustrations to the media, but noted that he did not agree with what was being called as the Falcons went 1-for-3 in the red zone.
"I just go out there and just do what I'm told to do," Jones said, via ESPN.com. "If we're getting those looks, I think they'll call those plays. But I don't know. I don't know what we're getting down there. I don't know what the thinking is as far as if we're going to throw the jump balls or if we're going to run the ball or whatever look we're getting down there. We practice throughout the week throwing jump balls, throwing fades, throwing all these little things. But when the game comes, you never know what's going to come up."
Jones is not in the wrong when calling out the red zone issues. The Falcons have been trying to get the ball to Terron Ward, Nick Williams or Jacob Tamme inside the 20 instead of Jones who is easily one of the best receivers in the NFL. That has not played well for the Falcons leaving Jones frustrated over the lack of scoring.
Jones is not the first Falcon to call out Shanahan who has faced a lot of scrutiny over his play calling. White noted that the Falcons should be taking more deep shots. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN, Ryan is also not agreeing with the schemes as he is reportedly frustrated with his coordinator. Shanahan has heard the reports of frustrations and noted that he is willing to listen to the players as they try to get on the same page.
"I feel like when you're comfortable with someone, you can be yourself," Shanahan said, via ESPN.com. "I'm a very fiery guy. I think Matt is, too. ... I argue with my close friends, my parents, and my wife probably more than anyone on this planet because we all genuinely love each other and we're tight. We know who each other are. I want the same thing with players. If a player thinks I'm messed up, I would love for him to tell me. He doesn't have to do it on the field in front of you guys or anything, but I'd love for (the player) to come up to my office and have a talk."
Shanahan is in his first season with the Falcons so the chances the team moves on from him are slim to none. The coordinator could get one more year to fix the issues. Ryan is not going anywhere either as everyone has supported the quarterback despite his interception ratio being far too high this year. Out of the playoff picture, the Falcons need to find some kind of motivation to turn things around.
