Nick Folk’s rough afternoon in Madrid drew a public warning from Kevin Stefanski after the Falcons’ 34-17 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.
Stefanski, in his first season guiding Atlanta after a solid run with the Cleveland Browns, made it clear the veteran kicker is expected to be better after missing one of his field-goal tries against Cincinnati. Folk finished 1-for-2 on field goals and was perfect on his two extra-point attempts, but the miss stood out in a game where Atlanta needed every point it could get.
“I expect Nick to make his kicks. Nick expects to make his kicks. … He knows we're counting on him,” Stefanski said, per reporter Marc Raimondi.
The Falcons opened the game well enough, taking a 10-7 lead after the first quarter, but that was about as good as it got. Cincinnati took control from there and outscored Atlanta 27-7 over the final three quarters.
Atlanta’s offense had some bright spots, even in defeat. Bijan Robinson carried the load on the ground with 19 rushes for 100 yards and a touchdown, while also adding six catches for 47 yards. Drake London paced the receivers with five receptions for 68 yards, and Charlie Woerner hauled in a one-yard touchdown pass.
Michael Penix Jr. had a quieter day, completing 20 of 31 passes for 162 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
The loss leaves Atlanta looking for answers as it heads back home for its next game. The Falcons host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10 on Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. ET.
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