The Atlanta Falcons win their third straight game and move to 4-2 on the season. Atlanta pulled away in the fourth quarter, leaving the Carolina Panthers in the dust en route to an 18-point win over their division rival.

With each win, the Falcons continue to show that they can grow and improve, but a few things have remained the same. Here’s this week’s quick response.

Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier headline Kirktober Fest

Bijan Robinson had two rushing touchdowns in the same game for the first time in his career. The former eighth overall pick had his best game of the season, averaging 6.3 yards per carry for 95 yards, and adding 10 yards as a receiver. Tyler Allgeier wore down the defense and finished the day with 105 on the ground, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and a touchdown of his own.

After having just one rushing touchdown all year, Atlanta’s backfield put three on the board. This is the kind of impressive performance the Falcons needed on the ground. Yes, the Panthers are dealing with a lot of injuries, but we also saw Robinson integrate more inside zone and duo concepts this week, and it paid off. Atlanta needs to continue to build on their positive outings.

The problems with the run defense continue

The run defense looked for a boost with the addition of Nate Landman, but didn’t get it. Chuba Hubbard continued his impressive 2024 campaign with 92 yards on the ground, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Even with three starting linemen out, the Carolina Panthers were able to bypass the Falcons’ defensive line whenever they wanted.

Ruke Orhorhoro wasn’t seen much after providing good support during the flight a week ago. Jimmy Lake hasn’t changed his approach much, if at all, so far this season. He’s content being in nickel and seems to be waiting for his players to win their battles. This strategy cannot continue much longer; Lake needs to figure out how to adapt before a team truly burns Atlanta to the ground.

This violation can result in points

After years of struggling to score 30 points, the Falcons scored 30+ in consecutive outings. The offense showed early in the season that they could move the ball, but they struggled to get it into the end zone. Those struggles are gone during this three-game NFC South division play.

The Falcons have benefited from injuries during this series, but every team in the NFL is dealing with injuries right now, and all Atlanta can do is control how they play. The attack was executed at a high level, taking advantage of their opportunities and leaving fewer on the field.

Falcons are in the driver’s seat of their playoff hopes

It’s time to start using the ‘p’ word. The Atlanta Falcons are 4-0 in the NFC and 3-0 in their division. They are in complete control of their playoff destiny and can achieve more than just a division title. The Falcons have four NFC conference games coming up, including two division games. This next four-game stretch will be the difference between a wildcard birth and a possible bye.

It could also cloud the picture significantly for Atlanta and leave their playoff hopes clouded and unknown until the final quarter of the season. It’s a fun and terrifying place to be, and it’s great to have these conversations about Atlanta again. The Falcons still have to take it one week at a time, but this team is in a position to make some noise and move up in the standings.

The Falcons are off to their best six-game start since 2016 and will look to enjoy another win on Monday. The sky is the limit for the Falcons right now. They’re not perfect, but they’re finally playing winning football again, and everyone wanted to see that.