"The Falcons' offseason evaluation likely will address the failures in the running game, especially in short-yardage situations, a problem compounded by two unsuccessful fourth-and-1 opportunities in Sunday's 24-2 playoff loss to the Giants.

"It's a big concern," coach Mike Smith said Monday at his season-ending news conference. "You've got confidence in your football team that they are going to be able to move the football a half yard. There were many times this season when we were unable to get that accomplished. In the past, our fourth-down efficiency has been very good. This year it's not so good.""