Yet another last-minute loss might be the one that end

ATLANTA (AP) — s the Atlanta Falcons‘ playoff hopes.Brett Maher’s 42-yard field goal as time expired gave the Dallas Cowboys a 22-19 win over the Falcons on Sunday. Atlanta (4-6) has lost two straight after reviving its season with three straight wins.The scenario at the end of the game seemed depressingly familiar for the Falcons. Four of the team’s six losses have come either on the opponent’s final possession or with the Falcons denied on their final opportunity.“It’s aggravating at the end of the day Stitched Grady Jarrett Jersey ,” said cornerback Robert Alford. “… We did do some good things today. We can’t just hold our heads down. But at the end of the day we’ve got to learn to finish games.”Atlanta also was denied late in narrow defeats to the Bengals (37-36), Saints (43-37 in overtime) and Eagles (18-12).The close losses have come in a season the team has lost both starting safeties and both starting guards to season-ending injuries. Linebacker Deion Jones came off injured reserve this week after missing two months but was inactive against Dallas. Running back Devonta Freeman also is on injured reserve and may return late in the season.The Falcons might have to close the regular season with six straight wins to make the playoffs. That’s a lot to ask, especially as they enter a short work week before Thursday night’s game at NFC South-leading New Orleans.The Falcons played in the Super Bowl only two years ago and won a playoff game last year. Now, only an unlikely winning streak could extend that modest streak of postseason appearances.“For sure it’s uphill,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “We know that. When you go into a locker room, it’s emotional and guys are upset. … Honestly, all our focus, all our energy Youth Grady Jarrett Jersey , and intent are right into this week’s preparation. That’s the best thing we can do right now.”Julio Jones‘ brilliant 34-yard touchdown catch over cornerback Chidobe Awuzie with 1:52 remaining tied the game at 19-all. Then Quinn gambled on a defensive stop as he burned timeouts in hopes his defense could make a stop and give the ball back to Matt Ryan and the offense.Instead, the Cowboys used a 10-play drive to set up Maher’s game-winning field goal.“We have been in position, but just have not been able to finish,” said defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who vowed he wouldn’t give up on the season.“Ain’t no way around it,” Jarrett said. “It is what it is. You’ve got to go back to work or you’re going to sulk. I ain’t sulking.”Before Jones’ late touchdown catch, Atlanta’s only offense came on four field goals by Matt Bryant, who was perfect in his return after missing three games with a hamstring injury. Bryant Stitched Terrell McClain Jersey , 43, used a heating pad on the sideline to stay loose.“It was a good game, I guess, as far as I got through everything OK,” Bryant said. “Obviously, I’d rather have the win.”Highlights? There weren’t many. Jones had six catches for 118 yards. He’s had a touchdown catch in three straight games but didn’t talk with reporters after the game. Vic Beasley Jr. had two sacks .A pass from Ryan bounced off the hands of rookie Calvin Ridley and was intercepted by rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch in the fourth quarter, setting up Ezekiel Elliott’s 23-yard touchdown run for a 19-9 lead.“The ball got on me quick and the dude picked it,” Ridley said.The Falcons rallied to pull even Marcus Green Atlanta Falcons Jersey , but again couldn’t win late.“We have won a lot of games on the other side of it but this year, unfortunately, we have been on the wrong side of that,” Jarrett said. “We have got to find a way to get right.” ULRICK!"The Falcons have yet to finish up with their offensive line, and likely won’t even be completely done when they inevitably draft a young tackle toward the end of the month. As evidence of that, please see Ulrick John.John, a Georgia State product, spent time with the Patriots but never got on the field for them in 2018. Before that 2019 Marcus Green Jersey , he spent time with the Colts, Dolphins, Cardinals, and Packers, starting three games and grading out well at right tackle for Arizona back in 2016. The Falcons likely view John as tackle depth, which they could use more of if they’re not going to invest heavily in the upcoming draft, and the 26 year old at least has some upside at the position. As things stand now, he’d be competing with Matt Gono behind Ty Sambrailo and Jake Matthews Marcus Green Atlanta Falcons Jersey , but that’s likely to change with the draft coming. The Falcons will be working out both John and former Air Force defensive end Ryan Watson on Monday, so we’ll see if one of them signs.