Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons – Jay Bendlin
In the last pre-season game, Atlanta hosted Jacksonville. Many spots are already set, but many more are still on the bubble and making the decisions harder on Head Coach Raheem Morris and others. Many guys have stepped up in practice and in the first 2 pre-season games, making decisions harder. Then, of course, the addition earlier this week of pass rusher Matthew Judon and Safety Justin Simmons moved everyone in those positions down a spot. Both are expected to play in week one, although they just arrived in The ATL.
Per numerous insiders at 92.9 The Game that have been at Flowery Branch and exposed to training camp and the team, “This vibe is different.” Very happy and connected team, everything is feeling different than previous training camps. Coach Rah is constantly challenging players, but in a positive way. Everyone is clear on the standard that has been set.
The entire team came out dressed….complete prep for a regular game, from staying at the hotel, dressing out, warm ups – by team and location on the field, then went in for a “half time” then back out. After that, the guys not playing changed back into their sweats, but trying to get that routine as much ready as possible. In just over 2 weeks, it is real ball.
I don’t know that this third game changed anything for the coaches and their evaluations. There were no additional stand outs or surprises. In my opinion, this game reinforced some of the guys that were not on the bubble going into the game. It seems that many positions are so stacked, it will be interesting to see how the Falcon staff evaluates and decisions some of these positions.
My one sidetrack of the pre-season….while offense finally has a leader, defense is healthy and bolstered…..now, Special Teams is sketchy. Missed field goals and short punts. But we will see what the regular season holds.
Pre game discussions had Dave Archer with 65 on his must keep roster, will see if I can do any better on mine. We know this is going to be hard on the coaches and GM Terry Fontenot. They are headed to meet after the game….then get the roster to 53 by 4pm on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, snatch some guys for the practice squad and hope to “hide” some diamonds in the rough from the rest of the league.
QB: Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix, Jr – need a third, don’t think he is currently on the team
O Line: Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGarity, Matthew Bergeron, Storm Norton, Chris Lindstrom, Drew Dalman (need additional here – but not an o line expert or fan)
RB: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan, Carlos Washington, Jr
Dline: Grady Jarrett, Ruke Orhorhoro, Zion Logue, Brandon Dorlus, Kentavius Street, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Ta’Quon Graham
CB: AJ Terrell; Natrone Brooks, Kevin King (at CB or S), Dee Alford, Jayden Price
LB: Troy Anderson, JD Bertrand, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Kaden Elliss, Matthew Judon, Nate Landman, DeAngelo Malone
S: Jessie Bates, Justin Simmons, Micah Abernathy, Richie Grant (DeMarcco Hellams – when he returns)
And our starting to be questionable ST: Liam McCullough, Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion
I have us at 48, clearly need more backups at Offensive and Defensive Line, but at least I got us close to a game day roster. We will see what happens on the way to Tuesday.
Another awesome interview by the voice of the Atlanta Falcons, Dave Archer. Today, Arch had the first three draft picks of the 2024 draft with him. Talk about some impressive young men. After the interview was over, I texted a friend, “I am fully on the Super Bowl train again.”
Archer introduced the guys and asked a few questions before asking fan submitted questions.
Asked about being drafted to Atlanta, Michael Penix, Jr. from the University of Washington called out that being drafted into the NFL in general is amazing, he grew up wanting to play in the NFL and here he is. He’s very excited to be in Atlanta.
Clemson Defensive Tackle, Ruke Orhorhoro noted that his is very familiar with Atlanta and is happy to not have to move far and learn a new place. He is ready to “put my big boy pants on” and get to working.
Bralen Trice, also from the University of Washington is ecstatic to come to Atlanta.
Asked how he will handle pressure on the field and relationship with quarterback Kirk Cousins:
Penix said that he doesn’t feel pressure any more. He played in the National Championship game and felt no pressure. It is the game that he loves and played since he was 5 years old. He prepares himself mentally and physically for everything, then just goes about his business. He is ready for any moment. As for Kirk, he is planning to lead the team to win. “I am going to do my part and play my role.” Kirk is a veteran and a professional, there is allot to learn from him.
With a deep defensive line and lots of rotation, how are you feeling about your part:
Ruke is ready to contribute to the culture , excited to bring new energy to the team. With a big smile and energy beaming, Ruke noted that when he steps on the field, his energy level goes up and he cannot wait to get to work on and off the field. He is ready to learn from starting DT’s Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, then put his own spin on what they teach.
Trice said this may sound corny, but, “I let go and let God.” He knows that God will handle the stress and pressure and Trice just does his job and trusts his teammates to do theirs.
Ruke commented on his style of play. He said it is fast, physical and aggressive. He is always ready to put his nose into stuff, is not scared of anything, and is ready to do the dirty work. He tries to model himself after Kansas City DT Chris Jones, he is tall and good with hands. Jones always sees what he hits. Ruke is preparing to slow down in his head and see the bigger picture.
Trice on preparing to be an aggressive edge rusher. He began by commenting on many edge rushers that just focus on the passing game and are going after the sack count. Trice plans to focus on the rushing game as much as the passing game. He wants to be aggressive and take on any situation. He models himself after the Las Vegas Raiders’ Max Crosby, he is all effort, relentless. Trice had 16 sacks in his last 28 games, sounds like he goes after the passer quite successfully.
Things may change entering the NFL now, but they are already planning how to prepare on game day.
Penix prays, has a favorite gospel song “God’s Got a Blessing,” then kicks other tunes to pump up. Penix’s song ensures that he keeps his head up, through many difficult circumstances over the years, he realizes that there are no excuses, you have to overcome and help the team win.
Ruke starts his time on the field with a prayer, then walks around alone and visualizes everything he did in practice and what he plans to do on the field that day.
Trice has a good prayer the night before. Then on gameday, after meetings and prep, he tries to slip in a 30-minute nap to refresh. We will see if he manages nap time in the busy NFL Sunday.
Asked what it means to have played in front of their families over the years, Trice said that seeing his Mom in the stands nearly makes him tear up. His Mom did allot for him and his siblings and is so happy, that motivates him to be great for her and the people around him and God.
Ruke asked his family not to come his freshman year at Clemson as he did not play and was mad about it. Parents still came, they were just happy to see him in his jersey on the sideline. That gave him inspiration and now gives him extra energy to play.
Penix talked about the many sacrifices his parents made and he has to pay them back, on the field and as a man. He always looks for his parents in the stands and knows that it is a true blessing to be able to play.
Penix is excited to work with Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson and Quarterback Coach TJ Yates. They both have great personalities. Penix loves being in a QB room with coaches that can relate to you, your position and experience of being a rookie in the league. They are going to ensure Penix gets to where he wants to be.
Ruke is excited to play with Jarrett, he noted “it’s crazy, been watching film on him since freshman year and now I to get to soak up the knowledge from him directly.”
Trice played for new Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake when Lake was the head coach of U of W. Trice called Lake as soon as he got drafted saying, “Let’s turn it up.” Trice knows Lake’s style of coaching and how he leads a team. Lake knows how to flip the switch, be nasty and get everyone in same mindset.
Having come from the latest national championship contender, Penix said the major change is that this is your job now. In college, you have classes and football, here, football is everything. While you have more time to learn, you need to watch the veterans, they won’t tell or teach you everything, so you have to notice the small things and better your game on your own.
Clemson and U of W have been pumping guys into the league lately and Trice and Ruke have many resources to reach out to for assistance and questions. Clemson being D Line U, Ruke reached out to former teammates like Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins who are always willing to provide advice, no question is a dumb question and Ruke has appreciated that.
Although everyone’s time in Atlanta has been limited, mostly at Flowery Branch, Trice noted that the folks around are always so nice and welcoming and trying to have conversations vs. many places, people don’t even look up to speak. Ruke is very familiar and knows the lay of the land and is planning to take the guys to all the good restaurants, “I like to eat” he says with a big smile.
If they could be as good at another sport as they are at football, Penix would be a golfer. He just started playing recently and isn’t that good, but gets really happy when he gets the ball on the green. It is a good sport that you can play for a long time. Ruke said he is already good at basketball, so he would do baseball, that is where the big bank is. Trice played tennis for 6 years and was pretty good, so he would continue tennis. It provides lots of cardio and movement and is addicting when you are good at it. Arch is concerned about starign Trice down across the tennis net, but is excited to tell Penix about all the great local golf courses.
And finally, the big question….what is your WHY?
Penix has two younger brothers and they have been looking up to him from a very young age. He noticed at 14, his brothers would come home from school talking about what their friends had said about him. He realized that his brothers were going to copy him, so he needed to be great on the field and a role model off the field. He wanted to show them that you can be strong and overcome adversity. Even though they are spread across the country, he wants to show them, every time he steps on the field, what they can also become, that adversity comes to everybody, but adversity can’t stop you.
Ruke plays for the shear love of the game. He loves every aspect, when your “legs are heavy, drives me to grind harder.” “If love and respect the game, it will love you back.”
Trice does it all for Mom. She set him up for success, sacrificed for him. He wants to take care of her. He loves the game, but first, plays for Mom.
All of the guys are super excited to step into and out of the tunnel for the first time, come onto the field, see the fans, the stadium view. Penix said he is excited to see the fans, run on the field and WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.
After being the most talked about team from night one, after taking a quarterback at 8 after just signing a $100 million quarterback in free agency, the Falcons rebounded with four back to back defensive players, filling current and future/rotation needs.
The Falcons moved up a few spots in the second round to take Clemson Defensive Tackle, Ruke Orhorhoro, just before a run on DT’s began. Then in the 3rd through 5th rounds, Linebacker Bralen Trice, DT Brandon Dorlus and another LB, JD Bertrand. With 3 picks in the 6th and final round for the Falcons, they drafted a Running Back, Wide Receiver and another DT. These will be development players, playing some on special teams and seeing if they stick on the team or not.
After being legit angry for nearly 24 hours, including driving 4 hours back from Atlanta, listening to 92.9 The Game the whole way, I was starting to calm down and buy in, but then triggered again, then calmer again. By the time the 2nd round pick came in, I was 15% less angry with Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris. I had full faith until that 1st round pick, but trying to come around and believe they have a plan.
As a Clemson fan, I was very happy about Orhorhoro, I know he is a beast. I’ve heard his name 1000 times in Clemson games. I’ve seen how disruptive he has been and can be in the NFL. Ruke is excited to join former teammate AJ Terrell and another Clemson legend, Grady Jarrett….who he will be able to learn behind. Ruke wants to prove he was worth trading up for. At 6 foot 4 and nearly 300 pounds, he had 12 starts, 22 tackles, 8 for losses and 5 sacks in his last year at Clemson. And was even more often, around the ball. Ruke is versatile and can play any position on the line and was considered a top 5 DT.
Bralen Trice is out of Washington, the near 2023 National Champions, so you know he has good experience on the field and in big pressure situations. Trice will be a great edge rusher, which is a definite need for the Falcons and should be contributing early on. He started 15 games, amassed 49 tackles, 11 for loss and 7 sacks in his final season. Trice was the top player in all of college football in the last two seasons for pressures.
Not to confuse Bralen with Brandon….but in the 4th round, the Falcons drafted Defensive Tackle, Brandon Dorlus from Oregon. Dorlus will make a great addition to this line, whether starting or in rotation learning behind Jarrett and David Onyemata. Dorlus started 13 of 14 games with 25 tackles, 6 for loss and 5 sacks. At 280 pounds, Dorlus is a little small for a nose tackle, but is versatile and can move to other locations on the line.
Note that sacks are starting to add up already with these additions and you can’t outrun everyone, so if you escape Ruke, Bralen, or Brandon, there will be someone else waiting for you.
In the 5th round, the Falcons continue on their defensive draft and snapped up another Linebacker, JD Bertrand from Notre Dame. A homegrown product from Alpharetta, GA, making his family happy for short drives to home games. In 12 starts, Bertrand had 76 tackles, 7 for loss, and a forced fumble. He led the Irish in tackles in his last 3 seasons. Bertrand seems to match the current linebacking core in makeup, personality and play. Hopefully he will be the force that Kaden Ellis, Troy Anderson, and Nate Landman have been in their short times in Atlanta. Bertrand is likely not a day 1 starter, but has a great group to learn behind and grow with and rotate in quickly, specifically behind Landman.
All of these guys have played college since 2019, so they are a little older, but also more experienced and more mature. I believe that was intentional by Fontenot and Morris.
While trying to buy in to the draft so far, one must remember that the only constant over the last few years is Fontenot. Not only is the head coach new, his coordinators are new to being coordinators and everyone is bringing fresh eyes to the game. The guys just drafted (and obtained in free agency) fit what this new regime has planned.
Now, it gets a little sideways for me again, but going to try to assume that Fontenot and Morris have a plan. They are drafting and planning for their jobs, I just want to have a team to win games, they NEED this team to win, and win NOW.
In the 6th round, the Falcons had 3 picks and selected Alabama Running Back, Jase McClellan, Illinois’ Wide Receiver Casey Washington, and then another DT, Zion Logue from Georgia. McClellan and Washington will likely be on special teams for a while, but a roster spot is a roster spot. Logue is a straight up Nose Tackle at 6 foot 5 and 315 pounds. If he can learn and follow from the current defensive line, he can win a spot onto the final roster as well. These later rounds aren’t necessarily for finding starters, but diamonds in the rough, special teamers, practice squad guys.
One of my biggest questions is the lack of drafting a cornerback (CB2), but maybe he is already on the roster, he just needs to be coached up. Several were obtained in free agency (Clark Phillips, Kevin King, Antonio Hamilton) and others were already on the roster (Dee Alford, Richie Grant), so with new coaching, maybe he identifies himself in mini or training camp. I have to believe that Fontenot and Morris know they need a corner opposite of Terrell.
The second big question is money….isn’t it always? Can we pay everyone that we need to pay. As I type this, the Falcons exercised their 5th year option on Tight End Kyle Pitts. Terrell will need to be dealt with next year at the latest, it would be smart to lock him in now, just in case he gets even better. We don’t know if Calius Campbell is coming back….and if so, will he take a discount to stay one more year in The Atl? We don’t want to start restructuring too many contracts and get into the same mess we were in previously, but again, smarter people than me, that are fighting for their jobs know that.
The more I think that way, this isn’t “just” a job for Fontenot and Morris, this is their livelihood and you have to believe that Fontenot, for sure, is on a short leash. Being evaluated on what he can do separated from former coach Arthur Smith. Can Morris redeem himself as a head coach and take Atlanta to the promised land?
Seems that some of these picks, or lack of picks say that this coaching staff and GM think this team is set now and ready to “Win Now.”
With that said, I close by saying, when Raheem Morris was announced as the new Head Coach, and held his first press conference, while being so excited to have Ra back, tearing up some, I felt (and have told countless people) that I had a good feeling and am planning to travel to New Orleans next February to watch us win the Super Bowl. So, as the days move farther from the shock of the draft, I am still saving my time and money and planning on a Super Bowl win for my Falcons.
The New York Jets won the coin toss and allowed the Atlanta Falcons to receive the ball to start the game.
From the 25, Mike Davis in the backfield, fake, Matt Ryan passes to Kyle Pitts behind the line of scrimmage. On 2nd down, Davis goes for the first down. From the 35, Olamide Zaccheaus goes in motion, Davis up the middle for a yard. On 2nd and 9, Ryan from the shotgun, fake to Davis with a good block, down the field deep the Hayden Hurst who was double covered, but ball was overthrown incomplete. On 3rd and 9, Ryan in the shotgun with Davis next to him, he throws toward Tajae Sharpe and is nailed as he releases, gets a roughing the passer penalty and automatic first down.
Falcons at midfield now, Ryan under center and hands to Cordarrelle Patterson who goes for 6 yards along the left side – behind a big block by Keith Smith. On 2nd and 4, Ryan play fakes on the slant, throws to Sharpe but the ball is knocked out by the defender. Ryan finds TE Lee Smith for 3 yards. On 4th and 1 at the 40, Patterson gets the call, makes a stutter step and goes over 10 yards. Next play is a handoff to Patterson who passes the ball out of bounds….no receiver in place. As time runs down, Ryan calls a time out.
Patterson is in the blue tent – concussion protocol. This could be huge if he does not return.
After a quick first down pass to Pitts for 16 yards, Davis goes for a single yard, now on 2nd and 9 from the 11, Ryan throws low to Pitts, incomplete. On 3rd and 9 at the 11, Ryan from the shotgun, Davis next to him, TEs off to the right, Ryan passes up to Davis who cannot get back to the line of scrimmage. Younghoe Koo in for the successful field goal.
First play is a run up the middle for 5 yards. On 2nd and 5, a play fake from Zach Wilson, then he has to run to the far right, AJ Terrell takes him down before he can even get out of bounds. On 3rd and 2, high snap, Wilson batts it back to himself, then passes the ball incomplete to the receiver in tight coverage – also had an illegal shift by the Jets, so it is now 4th and 2. The Jets punt to Zaccheaus, who is planted by his own TJ Greene and the ball rolls past to the 10.
On first down, Davis is spinning up, there is a chop block called on the Falcons, but the refs realize the defense caused it, so it is 1st and 10 from the 16. Ryan drops back and screen to Davis falls to the ground. On 2nd and 10, Patterson is back and goes an easy 9 yards on the right side. Ryan drops back and finds Sharpe for a big first down at the 40. Next play is a rush by Patterson for no gain. Ryan fake to Patterson, then finds Pitts over the middle for 18 yards. Patterson up the middle for 3 yards. Ryan back under center, Zaccheaus in motion, fake to Paterson, wide open L. Smith for the first down at the 19-yard line. Smith with the crossing route. Next play is to Patterson inside the 5 for the reception and another first down. At the 2, Ryan throws the touchdown pass to Pitts, for his first NFL touchdown of his rookie season.
Rookie Kyle Pitts with 1st TD of the season photo courtesy of NFL network
Q1 5:16 – Jets 0/Falcons 10
Former Falcon Tevin Coleman receives the kick off and runs it back to the 28, tackled by Koo. First pass falls incomplete with tight coverage by Fabian Moreau. On 2nd and 10, a handoff Tyler Davison and Grady Jarrett in converge to stop the running back and force a 3rd and 13. Jets call a time out. Wilson finds the receiver, 3 yards shy of the first down.
Zaccheaustakes the punt up 14 yards to the…. as the first quarter ends.
Davis in the backfield, takes the ball up the middle a couple of yards. Second down, Zaccheaus in motion, Ryan throws to Patterson at the 37 where he is stopped hard. First and ten, Patterson in the backfield, takes the ball up the middle for four yards. To Patterson on the left side at the first down marker. Third and 1 at the 41, Ryan opens up and hits Pitts at the 31. Another roughing the passer penalty is called and auto first down. Now the Falcons offense has the ball at the 17. Patterson rushes along he left side for no gain. Ryan running right, get his pass batted down at the line of scrimmage. Ryan finds Hurst at the 5 who zooms on in for the TOUCHDOWN! Davis with a big block to stop a sack coming fast.
Hayden Hurst With The Touchdown Courtesy of Chris Trotman & Atlanta Falcons
11:01 Jets 0/Falcons 17
Coleman in the end zone and allows the kickoff to go into the back of the end zone. From the 25, Wilson rolls back and throws low and bouncing into the turf, as Terell was coming fast to the receiver. Next play, Wilson throws an interception to Jaylinn Hawkins who came back to the ball and steps in front of the receiver. The ball was behind the receiver who was waiting on the ball, Hawkins sniffed it out and made a good decision and catch.
Jaylinn Hawkins with the Interception courtesy of NFL Network
From the 2 TE, 2-receiver set, Davis is the setback, Ryan has a backfoot throw to Smith at the 27 yard line. Hurst makes the next reception at the 11 for a first down, ball pops loose, the Jets recover the fumble.
Jets take over at the 13 and run up the middle for 2 yards, big stop by Steven Means, Dante Fowler shaken up on the play. Wilson looks left and finds the receiver for the first down at the 28. Michael Carter gets 7 yards until Foye Oluokun makes the stop. Duron Harmon gets a PI away from the play and moves the ball to the 45. Coleman runs 3 yards to the right. On 2nd and 7, Wilson hands off to Coleman who goes 4 yards and across midfield, Richie Grant makes the hard and fast stop. From the shotgun, Wilson hands off to Todd Johnson who zooms through the right side for a first down. From the Falcons’ 42, Wilson fakes the handoff and finds the receiver at the line of scrimmage who is immediately met with Adetokunbo Ogundeji for a big open field tackle. Coverage downfield was perfect and Wilson’s only option. On 2nd and 9, Wilson is chased back to the Jets 41 and has to throw out of bounds. Third down, Wilson finds an open receiver at the 30, stopped by Darren Hall – need tighter coverage to stop that quicker. From the 28, Michael Carter gets the ball and nearly a first down, stopped by Fowler slowing him down and Davison wrapping arms around both players and taking them both down. On 2nd and 1, Coleman goes up the middle for the first down. Wilson underthrows the next pass and it falls incomplete.
Jets take a time out. On 2nd and 10 from the Falcons’ 16, Wilson drops back, nearly sacked and hits an offensive lineman in the back with the ball. Wilson drops back, crossing pattern to Davis and is stopped by Moreau for a 3-yard gain. Matt Ammendola comes out for the 31-yard field goal.
Q2 2:14 Jets 3/Falcons 17
Ammendola kicks to Patterson, 5 yards deep in the end zone, gets to the 24. First and 10, Ryan hands to Patterson for 8 yards. After the 2-minute warning, Ryan misses Patterson on the backside, grabbed by the defender, no call. Christian Blake is all alone on the sideline for a Ryan pass, falling down with the reception, but gains the first down. Next pass is up the middle to Davis for another first down. Another run up the middle by Davis. Being chased, Ryan throws the ball away, but nearly intercepted along the sideline. On 3rd and 6, still at midfield with 50 seconds to go in the half, Pitts misses the ball, gets a PI as the defender was holding on his jersey not allowing Pitts to get to the ball. First and 10 from the 40, Ryan has two off the mark passes to Davis and Blake. On 3rd and 10, Pitts makes the reception at the 25 forcing the 4th down. With 3 seconds remaining in the half, Coach calls a time out. Koo makes the 52-yard field goal as time expires.
Half Time – Jets 3/Falcons 20
Short kick, Coleman goes to the Falcons’ 29 – touchdown is stopped by Patterson. Carter takes the ball 7 yards on the left side. On 2nd and 3, Wilson hands to Carter again, stopped after the first down by Terrell. On the first down, Carter meets Jarrett for no gain. Wilson from the 14, jet sweep and Braxton Berrios is taken down by Jarrett – who comes from the middle of the field to the far left side and makes the stop. Johnson gets the first down and more, down to the 2. The defensive line stands up and refuses to let the runner in, led by Jarrett. On 2nd and goal, Johnson easily walks in to the end zone. Atlanta stunted to their right while Johnson moves into an open hole on the left. Ammandola misses the extra point.
Q3 10:56 Jets 9/Falcons 20
From the 25, Patterson goes up the middle for 3 yards. Zaccheaus in motion, Ryan lets one fly, Patterson caught it at the 38. Zaccheaus in motion again, Hurst has another reception that pops out. The catch was at the line of scrimmage and rolls out of bounds, so no loss this time. Second and 10, Ryan hits Zaccheausbut he drops the ball for an incompletion. Ryan with the backfoot throw, Zaccheaus cannot hang on again, pressure in Ryan’s face, Zaccheaus up for the high reception, but has the ball knocked out by former Falcon Sharrod Neasman. First punt this season by newly acquired Dustin Colquitt and goes to the Jets 35, for 24 yards.
Side arm to Carter, and the Jets are at midfield instantly, stopped by Jones. Carter stopped after a 1 yard gain by Grant. After an incompletion, Wilson has a short pass to the large TE, Ryan Griffin for 4 yards, Terrell forces the fumble, which is recovered by the Jets, but forces a fourth down and punt. .
Punt from the Falcons 45, Zaccheaus fair catch at the 9.
Ryan hands to Davis who zooms up the right side past the 26-yard line. Another 8-man box, and Davis no gain this time. Ryan fakes the handoff, then tries to hit Davis with the pass, pass is batted down. Third and 10, Ryan in the shotgun, scrambles to the right sideline and finds Sharpe along the sideline for the first down. Sharpe came back to the sideline to help Ryan as he saw him scrambling. Davis with the run on the edge, got 5 yards behind a Kaleb McGary block. Ryan finds an open Sharpe across the middle, spinning through for a 17-yard gain. A handoff to Wayne Gallman gains 3 yards, his first snap of the game. On 2nd and 8, on a RPO, a fake to Gallman and pass to Blake on the sideline near the first down marker. Another pass to Hurst, who holds onto the ball, tiptoes along the sideline for the first down and more. Davis gets the call, goes for several yards before coughing up the ball for the second Falcons’ fumble of the day.
Wilson hands off to Carter, gets 5 yards. Second down, Wilson from the shotgun, throws behind the line and Crowder got blasted by Moreau who makes the stop 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage, but Moreau is down. Offensive penalty with a loss of down, punting to Zaccheauswho returns to the 31.
First down, Patterson runs along the right side for 4 yards as the 3rd quarter time expires.
On 2nd and 6, Zaccheaus makes the reception. Ryan’s 5000th completion. Davis in the backfield, Ryan under center, Zaccheaus in motion, running handoff to Davis for the first down. Another hand off to Patterson for a single yard. Ryan throws over the middle to Pitts, for the first down across midfield. From the Jets 46, Patterson in the backfield, Ryan hands to Patterson who gains a few yards outside. On 2nd and 7, Ryan fakes to Patterson who slips, Ryan nearly sacked, keeps scrambling and finds Pitts near the end zone, but Matt Hennessy holds and backs the offense up to 2nd and 17 from the Falcons 47. A quick pass to Sharpe at the 45 leaving a 3rd and 9. Ryan, from the shotgun, finds Patterson in the crossing pattern 6 yards short of the first down and Colquitt comes back on the field and plants the ball at the 10.
Wilson drops back and hits the receiver over the middle at the 17 stopped by Jones. From the shotgun, Wilson guns it down field for a huge first down at the 40-yard line, missed by Grant, but the receiver falls and is touched down. Wilson hits the tight end at the 45, flag on the field backing up the offense. Running back blocking Grant and the Jets are 1st and 20 from their own 30. Wilson hits a wide-open receiver at the 50, Hall makes the stop, but defenders were everywhere having to close in for the tackle. Ball at the Atlanta 43, Wilson under pressure and running for his life, flings it down near the goal line, ball is knocked away by Terrell who is called for PI, giving the Jets the ball at the goal line. From the 2, Wilson hands to Carter who walks in an empty hole to the end zone. The Jets convert on the 2-point conversion.
Q4: Jets 17/Falcons 20
Keith Smith fields the up-kick and gets up to the 25. Davis in the backfield, play fake, Ryan hits Pitts at the Jets’ 36 in double coverage. Thirty-nine yards and a first down. Ryan hands to Patterson who is immediately stopped. On 2nd and 12, a high pass along the sideline to Pitts, who makes the reception, but only for 4 yards. On 3rd and 8, single receiver to the left, 3 to the right, Jake Matthews with the false start backing the Falcons up to 3rd and 13. Ryan finds Zaccheaus at the first down marker and he pushes past the line to gain the first down and 15 yards. Smith in the strong side eye, Zaccheaus in motion, handoff to Patterson who is stopped after a 3-yard gain. Two TE right, Sharpe on the left, Ryan shoots it underneath to Patterson who fights for 5 yards. On 3rd and 2, Ryan empties the backfield, gets the Jalen Mayfield block and screen and Patterson goes along the left side sideline down to the 9. Davis runs up the middle through the line to the 4. With 2:24 to go, Jets call their first time out.
Davis takes the ball, stutter steps, spins, the offensive line keeps shoving the defense and Davis gets in for the touchdown.
With 2:19 to go in the game, Jets 17/Falcons 27.
The Jets start at their own 25. From the shotgun, Wilson hs a short pass to Davis who heads out of bounds after an 8-yard gain. With 5 in the rush, Ogundeji gets the big sack for a 9-yard loss before the 2-minute warning.
Coming out of the 2-minute warning, from their own 33, it’s 3rd and 11, Cole makes the reception near the 40. Ogundeji almost got to Wilson again. Fowler and Jarrett getting into the backfield forcing quick passes. On 2nd and 10, another play fake, Wilson throws to Mims at the 44 where Terrell stops him. Wilson looks left and throws left, shoved out of points at the Falcons 34. Next pass falls incomplete. With under a minute left, from the 34, Wilson from the shotgun, flushed to his left and throws out of bounds, Harmon and Hawkins in on the chase. Wilson hits Davis at the 14 and stopped by Oluokun, but Hall had bitten up and opened a hole for Davis. Jets take their 2nd time out.
With 33 seconds remaining, Wilson takes the snap from the 14, ball falls incomplete, with Terrell ready to make the immediate stop. Jacob Tuioti-Mariner got Wilson off his mark, as Wilson runs, he is then sacked at the 32 by Tuioti-Mariner. With 22 seconds and a 3rd and 27, they get the 49-yard field goal.
Defense Doing Work Photo Courtesy of NFL Network
With 17 seconds remaining in the game, Jets 20/Falcons 27 and expecting the onside kick.
Zaccheaus catches the ball at the 49. Ryan comes out and kneels.
Falcons. Win. Game.
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Cover photo courtesy of Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons
Key inactives on offense are Julio Jones and AlexMack. Rookie MattHennessey will get his first start today. DarquezeDennard, MarlonDavidson, and DeadrinSenat are key defenders out.
Starting at the 25, Matt Ryan is under pressure and finally finds Todd Gurley for a 25-yard reception along the sideline. The second play is a hand off for 2 yards. Ryan drops back and hits RussellGage behind the line of scrimmage. On 3rd and 10, under pressure, Ryan’s throw is tipped and falls incomplete. Sterling Hofrichter punts to the 13.
From their own 13, Le’Veon Bell goes along the left side for a first down. PatrickMahomes pitches up to TyreekHill who taken out by Isaiah Oliver who crossed the field to knock him out. Bell gets the next call, Grady Jarrett makes the stop for a 3-yard loss. A flag on the next play, Jarrett jumps and pops Mahomes, giving the Chiefs 5 yards. On 2nd and 8, Hill makes a short reception for a 6-yard gain. On 3rd down, Travis Kelce makes the reception and behind a Sammy Watkins’ block moves up for the first down, taking Kendall Sheffield and Keanu Neal with them. Mahomes throws incomplete into the end zone, Hill was still at the 10. Blitz is coming, Mahomes throws incomplete over the hands of his receiver with Foye Oluokun in tight coverage. Still at midfield, the blitz coming again, Mahomes steps up and is tripped up by Deion Jones while releasing the ball, Sheffield knocks the ball down before it can reach Kelce.
Ito Smith Finding Holes and Yards Today-Photo Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons
From the 13, Ito Smith gets the pitch for an 8-yard run. Smith gets another 13 yards on a run by finding a huge hole created by Luke Stocker and makes a defender miss. Smith goes up the middle for another 4 yards. Smith comes out and Gurley returns. Gage in motion and makes the reception at the first down marker. Ryan finds Hayden Hurst for another first down along the sideline. There is a flag on Calvin Ridley for an illegal shift. First and 15 from the 40, Ryan finds Hurst over the middle, taking a big hit, right at the first down marker. From the Chiefs’ 45, Ryan hands to Smith who pauses a second, then goes for 4 yards. Ridley gets the ball around the left side and loses yards, now a 3rd and 13. Then Kaleb McGary has a false start and backs them up even more. On 3rd and 18, under a 4-man rush, Ryan scrambles, then is sacked. He lost the ball, but got it back.
After the punt, Tyler Hall immediately hits the punt returner and KC will begin on their own 10. Hill makes the reception, then goes for 31 yards, causing AJ Terrell and Oluokun to miss, finally stopped at the 41 by Ricardo Allen. Hill gets the ball again for no gain. Bell gains 3 yards up the middle. Mahomes drops back, misses Kelce and Sheffield almost comes up with the interception. After a punt, the Falcons will begin on their own 4.
With the jumbo formation, Gurley gets the call up the middle for a gain of 6 yards to the 10.
End of Q1 – No score.
From their own 9, it’s 2nd and 5, Ryan finds Keith Smith for a first down along the sideline. A fresh set of downs at the 16, Hill in at tailback, get the ball back to the line of scrimmage. On 2nd down, Ryan throws too long and out of bounds over Ridley. Hill had a great block to give Ryan the time to get the throw away. On 3rd and 10, Ryan is sacked by an unblocked defender. Hofrichter kicks from his end zone. Hill hits the punt returner immediately and the Chiefs begin at the 45.
Mahomes fakes then throws to Darryl Williams for a 5-yard gain. On 2nd down, Mahomes fakes to Williams then throws incomplete to Mecole Hardman, covered by Terrell. On 3rd and 5 at the 50, Mahomes completes to Harman who is rolled up by Jarrett crossing the field and stops the Chiefs 1 yard short. Williams gets the call on the 4th and 1 and goes up the middle for 11 yards, dragging Jones part of the way. Kelce has a false start and is 1st and 15 from the Falcons’ 40, Oluokun chasing Mahomes into an errant throw. On 2nd down, a short pass to Williams goes for 13 yards, stopped by Jones and Sheffield. 3rd and 2, Williams goes up the middle for a yard, Jarrett on the stop to force the 4th down. Mahomes passes back to Watkins, Watkins tries to throw to Mahomes and Neal gets the interception. Neal stayed with Mahomes as soon as he left the line of scrimmage.
From their own 2, Gurley gets the ball and provides some breathing space for the Falcons, out to the 8. Ryan finds Keith Smith at the first down marker, then Smith goes for several more yards out to the 15. On first down, Ryan finds Ito Smith for a 5-yard gain. On 2nd down, Hill gets the call for 3 yards. on 3rd and 2 at the 23, Ran fakes to Gurley, as he is being tackled, Ryan throws the ball up and Gurley catches it and gets the first down. At the 31, Hill goes for 4 yards up the middle.
Calvin Ridley Goes for 54 Yards – Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons
In the shotgun, Ryan fakes to Hill, then finds Ridley who goes 54 yards down to the 11. Ridley was cutting and speeding up trying to get into the end zone. A first down at the 11, Ryan gives to Hill for a few yards. Ryan hits Hurst with a shovel pass and he shoves his way through the line for a touchdown.
With 3:55 to go in the half, the Falcons lead 7/0.
Mahomes begins at the 22 with a pass to Bell who gains 8 yards. Watkins makes the first down reception. From the 40, Mahomes finds Watkins who is immediately stopped by Oliver at the 44. Kelce makes the reception for another first down. Under a 4-man rush, Mahomes escapes John Cominsky around the sideline and gains 14 yards and a first down. From the Falcons’ 31, Mahomes throws behind Hardman. Mahomes has to scramble again, up the middle for a 9-yard gain. The coverage downfield was tight and a 3-man rush flushed Mahomes out of the pocket for his run. Jones was able to finally bring him down. On 3rd and 1, Mahomes finds Kelce right at the first down line and his dropped by Jones and Neal. Jarrett nearly tipped the pass at the line. The Chiefs take a time out. Mahomes under pressure by Jacob Tuioti-Mariner throws the ball away. Mahomes then finds Williams for a 9-yard gain, shoved out short of the first down by Neal. Williams easily gets the first down up the middle, but the entire Falcons’ defense converges to stop the touchdown at the 4. Oluokun was the first man in to slow Williams up. Mahomes pass to Kelce is just inside the endzone for a touchdown.
With 30 seconds remaining in the half, the game is tied at 7.
The Chiefs begin the second half at their own 25. Bell gains 3 yards up the middle. A penalty on Oluokun for a neutral zone infraction gives the Chiefs a 2nd and 2. From the 33, Mahomes hands to Bell again for a first down. From the 39, Mahomes scrambles, no one open, pressure coming and Mahomes throws out of bounds. Terrell, Oliver, and Jones had tight coverage on the receivers and tight end. On 2nd down, Mahomes finds Hardman for a first down, shoved out by Sheffield, a quick timing route with lose coverage. Deion Yelder makes the reception for another first down. From the Falcons 38, Mahomes to Hardman on the jet sweep for a 20-yard gain. Bell takes the offense and defense up the middle for 10 yards. Bell literally refused to go down, kept his legs moving and spinning with almost 20 people in a moving pile. Mahomes throws out of bounds over Kelce. On 2nd down from the 7, Mahomes is pressured back 10 yards, has to throw across the field toward Bell, but the ball falls incomplete. On 3rd and goal, Mahomes throws directly to Oluokun at the goal line. Oluokun returns the ball 52 yards, finally having the ball knocked out by Hill, but goes out of bounds.
Foye Oluokun Returning his Interception – Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons begin on the 45, Ryan is sacked on first down. On 2nd and 19, under pressure, Ryan is sacked again. On 3rd and 22, Ryan gets to Hurst for a short gain and punt.
Mahomes finds Hill for a quick first down. From the 34, 4-man rush, Mahomes out of the pocket and throws an incompletion. On 2nd down, blitz coming, Mahomes trying to escape Jarrett, throws the ball incomplete. Downfield coverage is tight again, Mahomes is flushed deep in the pocked with Tuoiti-Mariner and Jarrett coming again, forcing another incompletion and punt.
The Falcons begin on their own 8 with an Ito Smith run of 5 yards. A 4-yard pass to Smith. On 3rd and 1, Gurley gets the call and the first down and a couple more, behind the lead block of Keith Smith. Ito Smith is back in for a short gain. After a snap infraction by the center, the Falcons have a 2nd and 12 at the 17, Smith gains no yards. Now, a 3rd and 11, Ryan drops back and throws toward Hurst who is already tackled and on the ground. A first down fake, then successful pass to Hurst for 3 yards. Smith up the left side for 3 yards, with another flag on Hennessy for holding. On 2nd and 17 from the 22, Ryan is pressured and throws the ball into the ground. Chris Lindstrom gives up the near sack. On 3rd and 17, under pressure, Ryan throws another short errant pass that Gurley hauls in for a loss and another forced punt.
From their own 37, Williams goes for 4 yards. On 2nd down, Mahomes is under pressure from Cominsky and throws incomplete. Before the snap of the ball on 3rd down, false start on the offense and it is 3rd and 6. A 3-man rush, flag on the play, Mahomes cannot find anyone open, goes toward the sideline, then finds Kelce coming back for a big first down to the Falcons’ 38, 25-yard reception. Williams goes up the middle for 3 yards.
End of Q3, tied at 7.
From the 35, Mahomes drops back and is nearly intercepted by Tuoiti-Mariner in front of Watkins. On 3rd and 7, Mahomes drops back, up to Williams who is stopped behind the line of scrimmage. The Chiefs kick a 53-yard field goal and take the lead.
14:08 to go in the game, Chiefs 10/Falcons 7.
From their own 25, the Falcons begin with a pass to Ridley for 15 yards. Hurst is open in the middle of the field for a 17-yard gain. Hill goes up the middle for 2 yards. From the Chiefs’ 41, Ryan throws to Laquon Treadwell for 6 yards. Gurley is on the field, Ryan rolls out, finds an open Stocker for 9 yards and the first down. Stocker escaped coverage and came back to Ryan. Ryan throws to Hill for 6 yards. Ryan finds Powell near the first down marker, but the ball is knocked out and called a fumble, Kansas City recovered.
Williams goes 11 yards for a first down. Oluokun is injured on the play, Mykal Walker comes in to replace him. Williams with another short run as Kelce limps off the field. Another quick pass for a 4-yard gain, stopped by Sheffield. Kelce returns to the field. On 3rd and 4, Mahomes pitches to Williams and Neal – from the middle of the field, comes to the sideline to ensure Williams does not gain the first down. A punt to the 25.
Ito Smith reverses course and gains 9 yards, but is negated by the third penalty on Hennessy. 1st and 20, Ryan fakes to Smith and finds a wide-open Ridley for 31 yards. Hill goes up the right side behind Matt Gono for 17 yards, then 4 yards and 2 yards. From the Chiefs’ 31 on a 3rd and 4, Ryan finds Gage for another first down. From the 22, Ryan sees Hill wide open, he gains the first down and is shoved out of bounds at the 5. First and goal, throws out of bounds over Ridley in the end zone. On 2nd and goal, Ryan changes the play at the line and finds Treadwell in the front of the endzone for a touchdown.
With 4:33 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 14/10.
Mahomes rolls out and throws the ball out of bounds. On 2nd down, Mahomes rolls out under pressure again, Hardman cannot hold onto the ball. On 3rd down, Mahomes finds Kelce wide open in the middle of the field who goes for a 36-yard gain, but is backed up by a Hill block in the back on Oliver. A 10-yard penalty from the spot of the foul, giving Kelce extra yards. Steven Means nearly blocked the pass at the line. From the 45, Williams goes for 3 yards. On 2nd down, Mahomes finds Kelce again for a 16-yard gain with Sheffield in coverage. Mahomes quick to Hardman, a yard short of the marker. On 2nd and 1, Mahomes hands to Williams who easily gets the first down. With 2:40 to pay, from the Falcons’ 25, Mahomes flings the ball into the end zone….to AJ Terrell, but he loses the ball as he hits the ground. The Falcons challenge the call that he dropped the ball. The ruling stands, incomplete pass and Falcons lose a time out. Mahomes throws a touchdown to Demarcus Robinson over Sheffield.
2 minute warning. Chiefs 17/Falcons 14
Ryan rolls away from pressure, finds Hurst, but ruled incomplete and a penalty in the secondary. Prior to the pass, holding on the defense, 5 yards and a first down. From the 30, 1st and 10 with 1:49 to go in the game, Ryan drops back, finds Gage who literally leaps over a defender to get past the first down marker. From the 42, Ryan finds Ridley at the 42 along the sideline. First and 10 from the Chiefs’ 42, Ryan finds Ridley for 9 yards. On 2nd and 1, Ryan goes to the end zone, Ridley was 5+ yards out. On 3rd and 1, jumbo formation, Gurley gets 2 yards for the first down. From the 26, Ryan throws to Ridley, but out of bounds outside the endzone, but there is a penalty on the defense for 12 men on the field and offsides. First and 5 from the 21 with 27 seconds to go. Blitz coming, Ryan throws incomplete toward Gage. With 23 seconds to go, Hurst in motion, Ryan is sacked and ball is fumbled and recovered by Kansas City. The referees rule it is an incompletion that bounced off a defender and bounced back to look like a fumble. On 3rd and 5 with 19 seconds, Ryan back peddles and releases an almost interception that Ridley knocks out of the defender’s hands.
Younghoe Koo comes out to attempt the field goal and misses.
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