It is fair to wonder whether or not the Atlanta Falcons know what you can and cannot do when on the receiving end of an onside kick.
On Sunday, it seemed as though they were unaware that you can, you know, pick up the ball.
The Falcons had a meltdown against the Dallas Cowboys, blowing a 20-point lead in what ultimately was a 40-39 setback at AT&T Stadium.
After cutting the deficit to 39-37, the Cowboys set up for an onside kick. Greg Zuerlein knocked the ball forward and multiple (!) members of the Falcons just didn’t pick up the ball, which allowed Dallas to get possession.
Of course, since Atlanta was the return team, it could’ve picked up the ball whenever it wanted. Backing away like Falcons players did was inexplicable.
Get a load of this.
Following the loss, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn tried to unpack the disaster.
If they were, in fact, aware of the rule, that almost makes it worse. Regardless, the Falcons now are 0-2 on the season following the devastating loss.
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images
