Kendall Sheffield – FalconAlley Football

The Rivalry is Real

November 12, 2019

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

So, apparently change IS good. Not only did the Falcons move coaching staff around after the bye, but on game day, instead of Dan Quinn calling the defense plays, play calling was split between Jeff Ulbrich (Linebackers coach) calling 1^st and 2^nddown defense and Raheem Morris (formerly WR coach) calling 3^rd down and 2 minute defense. Morris’ work with the secondary was evident immediately. Also, after winning the coin toss, for the second time this year, the Falcons chose to receive the ball first.

The extra Captain this week was Calvin Ridley.

The offense started strong, pushing down the field quickly. The first play was a speed sweep to Calvin Ridley for 19 yards. Then run-run-run by Devonta Freeman. Within the first series, Free had 27 rushing yards. Then, on cue, the offense stalled with back to back false start penalties pushing them back to unmanageable down and distance and forced a 37-yard field goal. Out comes the Saints’ offense, Latavius Murray and Alvin Kamararunning for short bits and pieces, then Drew Breeshits Michael Thomas for a 16-yard gain, Jared Cook for a 22, then back to Thomas for another 17 yards. The defense stood up. Murray had no gain,Taysom Hill had a 2-yard reception, then De’Vondre Campbell sacked Brees for a 9-yard loss, forcing the 29-yard field goal. This is when you knew you had a game.

I did hold my breath until the 20/9 touchdown, as I know what Brees can do and know you need a big lead, but felt good about the Falcons most of the day (after the initial forced field goal by the D). The only real negatives on the day were an interception by Matt Ryan and a slightly short kickoff that lead to a big run back….even those were not followed up with any points. After the interception, the defense came out inspired, allowing 8 yards and receiving the ball back on downs at the New Orleans 19. After a 46-yard return, the Saints had another 4 downs to move the ball -9 yards and turn it over on downs again, this time at their own 33.

With a successful run game, the Falcons were able to dominate the time of possession, 34 minutes to New Orleans’ 26. The Falcons had 4 drives that took at least 5 minutes and 4 scoring drives that were 10+ plays. While I have always heard “The best offense is a good defense” the case here is “the best way to keep Brees from scoring is to keep Brees on the bench.” This allowed the defense to be rested and ready when they did take the field, and seemed to energize them as well. Even on the final drive, while playing prevent, they still did not allow a score. The Saints had the ball with a 1^stand goal from the 9 and the Falcons forced a 4^thdown, that was a yard short of the end zone as time expired.

The offense played allot of no huddle, which is Matt Ryan’s comfort zone. Ryan even had a 17 mph run himself for a big first down. Freeman went out early with an injury, but tallied 38 rushing yards at that point. Brian Hill had 20 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown reception. Ridley had 1 rush for 19 yards and caught 3 of 5 balls thrown his way for 28 yards. Julio Jones caught 3 for 79 yards, one being the 54-yard breakout, mostly YAC, and had several crucial blocks, and is of course, is the world’s best decoy. Russell Gage continues to impress with 4 receptions for 23 yards, Austin Hooper 4 receptions for 17 yards and another touchdown. Newcomer Christian Blake snuck in and caught his first 2 NFL receptions, one for a big 11-yard gain.

The defense was almost unrecognizable, there seemed to be no confusion or communication issues this week. The defensive line and secondary were in sync, the backend playing tight coverage made it easier for the D line to be aggressive. At one point, with 3 on the blitz, the Falcons managed a sack. Campbell logged a sack on the first drive, leading the team to 6 total sacks on the day, when the team had 7 on the season. Clemson was repped well with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr sharing a sack, which was for a loss at the 10, forcing the unsuccessful 3^rd down attempt. Grady ended the game with 2 ½, Vic got another – WWE spear on his own, and one by Adrian Clayborn, who uncharacteristically seemed to be missing most of the season. Claybo started this week, which was enough to shake it up and help Beasley and Takk McKinley work differently and get pressure on Brees all day. There were times when Brees actually looked confused. They crowded the pocket all day and when the Saints were doubling Grady, that opened it up for other guys to get pressure and sacks.

Who knows which came first, the chicken or the egg…but the defense was working perfectly Sunday. Whether the man on man coverage provided the line more time to push to Brees, or the line forced Brees into rushed and errant throws, it was a well-orchestrated defensive day. Brees completed 32 of 45 passes, was sacked 6 times, losing 46 yards and hit 11 times and nearly hit many, many more. The defense was tackling in space, wrapping up, and not giving up much YAC. The Saints started at the 38 and were held to a field goal. The defense allowed no big plays and only allowed 25% completion on 3^rd down conversions, there were several 3 (or 4) and outs.

Rookie Kendall Sheffield is really coming on strong in Desmond Trufant’s absence. He recorded a coverage grade of 89.9 on 53 snaps Sunday. He was targeted 7 times and allowed 5 receptions for only 28 yards, no first downs or touchdowns. Foye Oluokun lead the team with 8 tackles, Isaiah Oliverstepping up with 6, along with Campbell andDamontae Kazee, the later had a pass defended. Kazee was injured late in the game, but did come back in. Ricardo Allen and Deion Jones had 5 tackles a piece.

Special teams. WOW. New kickers all around and still was a successful day. Younghoe Koo – now known as #KooDat, had 4 successful field goals, with a long of 48 yards. Ryan Allen only had 2 punts on the day, but was also the holder for Koo. After a punt attempt where Allen was tackled and left, it seemed, crippled, the Falcons were provided the first down on the roughing the kicker penalty. A few plays later, the Falcons were forced to kick a field goal, Matt Schaub comes out to hold, Allen takes the field and shoos Schaub off the field, as he is ready to do his job. Talk about touchness. Younghoe Koo was awarded the NFC Special Team player of the week in his first week in the NFL! Kenjon Barner had 2 punt returns, one a breakoff of 21 yards. Defensively, was the one long kickoff return that yielded no points, and one punt return of 19 yards. Koo was also the tackler on the 48-yard return. We may like this kid.

The Saints scored double digits at home in 100 straight games…until Sunday. This put them one shy of the NFL record. Drew Brees has not been sacked 6 times in a game since the Panthers in 2013….until Sunday. The Saints had only 4 games since 2006 without a touchdown…..until Sunday. No one has ever had 4 “Hands to the Face” penalties in a game…..until Sunday. The Saints WERE the least penalized team in the league…..until Sunday. They had 12 penalties for 90 yards, many turning their 3^rdand short into 3^rd and long, their defensive penalties providing the Falcons with many free first downs

The Atlanta Falcons are the only UNDEFEATED team in the NFC South. Are the Saints the new “Get Right” team????

Per the Atlanta Falcons website, Grady Jarrett was quoted “It’s definitely encouraging. Going through any kind of losing streak, it’s definitely hard. For us not to be able to give up and try to make changes where we can, wherever we can, to not quit and beat a real good team in their house, it means a lot and it says a lot about our team.”

Injury Report: Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper are both being evaluated through the week and are listed as questionable at this time.

Golden Talon: THE WHOLE TEAM. 11 and 11 all did their jobs successfully, without mistakes. With injuries, next man up stepped up. And Special Teams was on fire.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Second Half Come Back, Not Enough for Falcons

Seattle 27/Atlanta 20

October 27, 2019

Article and Photos by Allison Smith

Stop me if you have heard this one before…..the Falcons are down at half and have to abandon the run game to come back in the second half. Once again, the Falcons, offense and defense, come out soaring in the second half, but again, were down too much to overcome.

After a great morning of meeting other Falcon fans and actually some nice Seahawks, and my weekly picture with Freddie, I headed into the stadium. The limited crowd still seemed rowdy as I headed to the Mercedes Benz dance cam and did my touchdown dance with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr. As I started to my seat, I was awarded the #1 fan of my section and given a Falcons prize. I feel like this is going to be a good game. Well…..then there was the game part.

The most annoying part was the fact that I had already resigned myself that we may not win another game this season, but the team still suckered me in with their fight and comeback, al biet, some in trash time. But you could definitely tell a difference in the first half vs. the second half. Again.

Russell Wilson is no Deshaun Watson, but he can escape and make some crazy things happen, which he did on Sunday. Near escapes for successful passes or massive runs on his own. The Seattle defense may no longer be the Legion of Boom, but they did manage to hold the Falcons to 20 points, had an interception, near interception (that would have been a pick six) 2 sacks, 7 quarterback hits, and forced and recovered 2 fumbles. The Falcons, well, they finally managed 2 sacks. Which was a major feat as they have not had a sack since the 3^rd week of the season. As a total team, they have 7 sacks, 3 by Grady Jarrett who added to his total on Sunday.

The Falcons started with Damontae Kazee at Free Safety, Ricardo Allen at Strong Safety, Isaiah Oliver and Blidi Wreh-Wilson at the outside Cornerback spots, and Kendall Sheffield a the Nickel. The line was set up normally.

When Grady got the sack, for a 9 yard loss, forcing a punt, you would have thought we had won a game. Everyone knows how long it has been and Grady is so excitable, his celebration was infectious. The team did manage 4 hits on Wilson and some good pressure and near tackles or sacks, but alas, almost doesn’t count. Tyeler Davison had the other sack on the day and continued a good season on his part. Both Beasley and Takk McKinley were close several times and Takk did get hands on Wilson. There were literally only 3 tackles for loss on the day, Grady and Davison’s sacks, and one by Allen. The defense continues to allow teams to come to them.

On DK Metcalf’s 2 touchdowns, the Falcons defense was not set, they came out and quick snapped. The other was a communication error between two players. Even on the 3^rd touchdown, the defense seemed confused. But also, the defense had 3 back to back to back 3 and outs. The first half and second half look completely different. Again.

On the bright side, Alex Mack, Kaleb McGary, Devonta Freeman, and Austin Hooper all had tackles. Maybe we are preparing to flip some of these guys to defense? Seriously, the offense and team have improved their penalties. Only 5 for 40 yards this week, and the OPI on Julio was complete BS, so I will tally 4 penalties. Holding or false starts, two by Mack, which normally is unusual, but becoming a habit this year. Is that because he is doing too much to make up for other offensive line deficiencies?

Matt Schaub did not appear to have lost a step since his last start in 2015. He was 39 of 52 for 460 yards….in the FALCONS LOSS. He did have an interception, but still a pretty good game for an old man. He spread the ball around to 7 receivers, including all 3 tight ends, who had big catches. Luke Stocker with an 18 yarder and Jaeden Graham with an 11 yarder. Sometimes the big guys aren’t just blockers or decoys. Naturally, Hooper had another good game catching 6 of the 7 passes thrown his way for 65 yards and a touchdown, and his biggest reception of 35 yards was mostly YAC. Freeman took most of the running duties, 13 carries for 39 yards, but also had 8 receptions for 63 yards, catching everything thrown his way. Free did fumble the ball trying to stretch across the goal line for a touchdown, but was on his back and not ruled down as the ball was knocked out.

Some people say that was the turning point/play of the game. Mine, was not. Schaub had a 20-yard pass to Julio Jones along the sideline. Instead of a first down, OPI was called on Julio, and the Falcons were backed up with a 1^st and 20 at their own 35. The Falcons call a time out. There is no challenge or question on this call. This is when I lost my mind (the first time) and really questioned Dan Quinn’s thought process. That was not the only time on the day. After returning from the time out, Schaub throws an errant pass that was intercepted.

On the losing my mind and screaming things to the field topic…..I still do not understand calling time outs near the end of the half to help Seattle have time for their touchdown. I believe I suggested Pete Carroll load Dan Quinn on the plane to Seattle at that point. With a 4th and 1 on their own 34, the Falcons go for it. On their side of the field, the attempt two over 50-yard field goals. Then, at the end of the game, already wasted time outs through the second half. After the 2 minute warning, DQ has Schaub spike the ball and Bryant come on for a field goal, which still leaves the team in a 7 point deficit. Why not go for the touchdown first and worry about the field goal IF you get the ball back? Bad clock management and wasted time throughout the half left little time for the ultimate comeback. It is annoying to look that close, but Seattle was giving up more late than they had all game, knowing that time was running out for a comeback.

Julio Jones ended the game with 10 receptions and 152 yards while Calvin Ridley had 4 receptions for 70 yards. As mentioned, Russell Gage, Justin Hardy, and all 3 tight ends had receptions. It was obvious that Gage will be the air-apparent to the 3^rd WR spot have 9 targets on the day.

Jarrett continues to get better every week, tallying 8 tackles, followed by De’Vondre Campbell at 7 – who leads the team in tackles and is #6 in the NFL. Kazee had 6. The up and coming Sheffield, Allen, and Beasley had 5 a-piece.

Punter, Kasey Redfern was released Monday after having 1 punt on Sunday. Currently, we have no punter. Quarterback Danny Etling was added to the practice squad, which makes you question Matt Ryan’s health, but he may be released again after the bye. Longtime kicker Matt Bryant was released after missing 2 over 50-yard field goals Sunday and replaced by Georgia Southern’s Younghoe Koo.

Injury Report:

· Matt Ryan is rehabbing well, should be ready to head to New Orleans for the November 10^th game.

· John Cominsky left the game with a sprained ankle, hoping to be back after the bye.

Golden Talon:

· Grady Jarrett – Clearly he is going to get this every week. Closest to making plays, always moving and pushing the line back. Disruptive. Lead the team in tackles this week and got the first sack in 5 weeks.

· Kendall Sheffield – Really stepped up and playing well in Desmond Trufant’s open CB spot. Has had some really good coverage and still not being picked on as much as Oliver.

· Matt Schaub – Dude is 38 years old. Didn’t play a snap in 2017 and hasn’t started in 4 years. Lit the field on fire for 460 yards and had limited mistakes.

FalconAlley Owt

Need a Get Right Game? Play Atlanta.

October 13, 2019

Atlanta 33 at Arizona 34

Article by Allison Smith

Photos by Atlanta Falcons

In this week’s episode of “How can the Falcons lose?” they had a good strong start, lulling fans into a happy zone. They took the ball, went down to a score by Calvin Ridley. The defense held the Cardinals to a field goal. Then…..they allowed scores on the next 5 drives, while not scoring themselves. In the second half, they had to come out fighting for their lives…..again….and almost made it this week. Well, to a tie. Matt Bryant, very uncharacteristically misses an extra point with 1:53 left in the game.

While some want to bash Bryant, let me write out the rest of THAT game. The game is tied with 1:53. Arizona gets the ball. Works to get down field. The defense holds them, forces 3^rd downs. With seconds to go in the game, the defense breaks and the Cardinals score with :08 seconds to go and crush all hopes anyway. I’ve been a fan a long time, I know how this story ends. Bryant’s miss just ended it earlier.

Sadly, it crushed him. The rest of the team could have done so much more in the other 58 minutes, that this game is not on Bryant. I don’t know the issue for sure, but he does need some consistency in his holds. The injury of punter Matt Bosher, then parade of other punters, and now Matt Schaub holding cannot be good.

Now, the referees did not help any on the day. They ruled a catch, that was not an Arizona catch. A Falcon caused fumble was ruled not a fumble. There was a no call on a fair catch interference, and near the end of the game, Kyler Murray was ruled to have a first down, when he did not actually reach the marker.

A bright spot of the day was Austin Hooper. He caught all 8 balls thrown his way, tallying 117 yards and a touchdown. Devonta Freeman had another good game, looking like his old self again. He accumulated 88 yards on 19 carries and one breakout run of 15 yards; and again, caught all 3 targets for 30 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Running the ball worked well early and late in the game, but during the catch-up time, it was more difficult. Keith Smith had some good blocks, working hard and getting into a little fight, good fullback play.

The offense did score 33 this week, Matt Ryan had another stellar game, one so good, that of the 67 other times these stats were recorded, 66 of those quarterbacks won their games. Ryan was 30 of 36, for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns with no interceptions; a 144.9 quarterback rating. Ryan spread the ball around well with 8 (or 9) different receivers, even Kaleb McGary “caught” a pass. Ill-fated as it was. The offense had several big packages, and lots of tempo and mixed packages, in which Ryan thrives. Which makes one wonder where these have been all season.

Ryan admittedly made a bad decision on an overthrow to Ridley while Jones was on a sail route, Ridley came back, but Ryan missed him. Naturally, this was on a 3^rd down. Ryan was heard admitting to this overthrow, but saying that they would continue to work and just needed one game under them to start. He even quoted former teammate Mud Duck (Todd McClure) “There ain’t no mentum like momentum.”

The defense gave up so many explosive plays, many on Isaiah Oliver again. Note that Oliver was only in because Desmond Trufant was out with a toe issue, as Kendall Sheffield was slated to replace Oliver until Trufant was ruled out. There were no quarterback hits at all this week, clearly no sacks. Gave up a 4^th and 2, which eventually led to a touchdown. The defense has allowed an average of 34.5 points in the 4 losses.

The defense also came out strong in the 2^nd half. After being down 20/10, the defense had 3 back to back stops while the offense scored 17 points. They weren’t giving up any free lanes or open looks. Even with no hits on Murray, they were starting to get good pressure on him. The defense gave up 240 yards in the first half, 100 in the second. Why can this not be the entire game?

On the glass half full view, the Falcons lead the league in forced fumbles, none recovered, but they are hitting hard and grabbing for the ball on occasion.

In the 4^th quarter, Deion Jones made a big stop on David Johnson, forcing a punt, with led to the Falcons tying the game at 27. If the Falcons had won the game, this may have been the play of the game.

Once again, Grady Jarrett was the best player on defense, affecting the quarterback, causing penalties, stressing the line. Grady had 6 tackles. De’Vondre Campbell lead the team in tackles with 9, followed by Oliver, Kemal Ishmael, and Debo at 6 a-piece. Rookie Sheffield had 4 tackles, one of which was on a 3^rd and 10, forcing an Arizona punt.

Penalties were down this game, only 8, but again, at costly times. On the Falcons’ 2nd possession, from the Arizona 49, Ryan scrambled for 4 yards, negated by a James Carpenter hold. 1st and 20, delay of game. Way back in Falcons territory, at 1st and 25, Julio Jones gains 3 yards, Hooper has a 6-yard reception, then Jones drops a ball, which would have been mute with a Ridley PI. And it’s 4th down and a punt. In the beginning of the 2^nd half, on a 3^rd and 8 by Arizona, Oliver has a penalty, on a no catch, that instead turns into a first down.

There was a block in the back on a punt, so instead of the ball at the 25, the Falcons were backed up to the 10. On a 3^rd and 10, a sack/fumble leading into a punt. A horse collar on Vic Beasley that lead to the final Arizona score.

Special teams was looking better this week, trying a variety of returners. Kenjon Barner was back and returned 3 punts for 17 yards, and 1 kickoff for 24 yards. Ito Smith had 2 kickoff returns for 59 yards. Newly acquired punter Kasey Redfern punted 3 times for an average of 43 yards. Bryant had 2 successful field goals and 2 of 3 extra points made. One of his field goals was close in the right side, which is why I think he pulled the missed XP too much to the left.

Again, the young quarterback of a seemingly hapless team ends up being the offense player of the week, setting records. Chase Edmonds has his first touchdown (ended with 2) of his career.

Overall, the offense looked good, special teams was ok – between returns vs. coverage, and the defense was good in the second half. Both sides of the ball were not consistent throughout the game and led to the fourth game in a row.

Injury Report:
Jamon Brown left the game with a knee injury, but was full practice on Wednesday.

Desmond Trufant did not practice on Wednesday, continuing with his toe injury.

Several others were limited after tweaks from the game, Blidi Wreh- Wilson is trending up and hopefully will be back this Sunday.

Golden Talon

Austin Hooper and Devonta Freeman for standing out and stepping up offensively this week, getting better each week.

FalconAlley Owt

Falcons, One Good Half

Written By Allison Smith

Photos by Atlanta Falcons

October 6, 2019

Atlanta 32 at Houston 53

Once again, the Falcons put together one good half of football. Today it was in the first half and you thought it was going to be a shootout the entire day, but alas, it was not and the Texans ate them alive in the second half.

Kendall Sheffield receives the opening kickoff and gets up to the 16-yard line. Mohamed Sanu, Calvin Ridley, and Julio Jones are in with Devonta Freeman to begin the game. Freeman runs left and is met behind the line by Whitney Merciless. Austin Hooper hauls in the next short pass for a gain of 5 yards. A ball intended for Jones is batted down. Another, 3 -0 to start the game.

Matt Wile is in to punt, gets a good one off and DeAndre Carter is stopped quickly by Sheffield in the open field. Carlos Hyde takes the first hand off of the day from Deshaun Watson and is stopped by Grady Jarrett. Hyde meets Jarrett again, this time, Grady knocks the ball out and it rolls back for a 15-yard loss. Their 3^rd run attempt is stopped for a 1-yard gain by Adrian Clayborn.

Sanu is back to receive the short punt, but the punt does not reach him. The Falcons take the ball at their own 34. Matt Ryan drops back and completes a beautiful pass to Jones for the first down. In I-formation, Freeman gains a single yard. Ryan in the shotgun, quick pass to the left side intended for Ridley, but he slips and cannot get back up in time. Then, Ryan hits Jones again for a first down. JJ Watt is called for roughing the passer, adding an additional 15-yards on the play. Another handoff to Freeman, who is immediately stopped again. Ridley has 1-on-1 coverage, Sanu is in the slot, Ryan looks to Julio, then Sanu catches his first touchdown of the season. Sanu made the catch at the 3, then forced his way the rest of the way in.

Early in Q1, the Falcons lead 7/0. Watson tosses a 5-yard pass to Will Fuller. Hyde bounces off several defenders with Allen Bailey knifing inside, and Hyde is finally stopped after the first down by Deion Jones. Hyde is now off and running, gains 14-yards, running by Jones and is stopped at midfield by Ricardo Allen. Another short run is stopped by Jarrett. Watson attempts a pass to Deandra Hopkins and is broken up by Desmond Trufant. Three wide outs in for Watson, from the shotgun, he bounces to the right and Vic Beasley chases him, along with Claybo who knocks the ball out, but it bounces back to Watson for 9-yard gain and first down. Duke Johnson gets the handoff and is stopped quickly. Watson has another successful pass to Fuller for a near first down. Damontae Kazee is too far outside in coverage vs. the inside. Watson in the shotgun and finds Jordan Akins wide open for a 21-yard reception, everyone is playing zone, Isaiah Oliver is man to man and the only one there. Hyde is in the backfield, Watson throws the touchdown pass to Fuller between Allen and Trufant.

Sheffield, with no blocking, made his own way up to the 25 on the kickoff. Facing zone coverage, Ryan pitches to Freeman on the left for a yard. An incompletion to Jones on 2^nd down. On 3^rd and 8, Ryan lobs one up to Sanu who leaps up among many defenders and makes the reception for the first down. It appeared this was intended for Ridley, who was sliding on the ground again. Ito Smith is in at running back with all the tight ends, he gets a couple of yards. Three wide tight end package and Smith gets 11 yards, behind the block of Wes Schweitzer. Ryan throws a 24-yard pass to Ridley on a deep out route. Justin Hardy is in motion, Ryan changes the play, shoots the ball out to Hardy who makes the 5-yard reception. Smith runs into the Houston wall, gains 1 yard and the first quarter is at an end.

JJ Watt shoves Kaleb McGary out of the way and sacks Ryan. Matt Bryant on for a successful 35-yard field goal.

Wile kicks the kickoff out of bounds at the 40. Hyde gets the call and Bailey wrestled him down after a 2-yard gain. On 2^nd down, Watson to Hopkins and a 14-yard gain, stopped by Kazee and the newly acquired Johnathan Cyprien. Watson to Fuller with a quick stop by Tru, forces a 3^rd and 1. Hyde gets the call, looks to be stopped, is not and gets the first down, finally stopped by Tyeler Davison. The next play, Watson eyes the field and tosses it to Fuller in a deep crossing route for a touchdown, while the Falcons are knocking each other out of the play. The Texans miss their extra point, but lead the Falcons 13/10 with only 3 minutes gone in the second quarter.

Sheffield to ATL 15 for 13 yards. Ryan throws incomplete to Jones, then finds Ridley for 7 yards. Smith up the middle for 4 yards. Freeman is hit in the backfield on the next play, then doesn’t make the reception on the short pass. Smith is back in, makes the short reception for a 4-yard gain, on a 3^rd and 12. Wile on to punt from inside his 15-yard line to the Texans 12. The returner is hit by Luke Stocker, but there is a block in the back by the Texans, so they start their next drive at their own 7.

Hyde gets the first call for 4 yards and is met by De’Vondre Campbell and Jack Crawford. Watson passes short to Fuller, Kemal Ishmael going for the strip. On 3^rd and 3, Watson in the shotgun, up to Keke Coutee for 4 yards and the first down, stopped by Ish. On first down Hyde gets 7 yards and is hardly met by Devo and Ish, who is making himself known today. Hyde is met by….you guessed it, the spinning Jarrett and has a 1-yard loss. At their own 26, Watson is in the gun and tosses up to Fuller, again and he gains 36 yards. Oliver slipped as Fuller goes by, Oliver and Ish finally get enough jersey to pull him down. At the Falcons 38, Johnson gains 3 yards on the right side. Then the Texans are called for a false start to make it 2^nd and 12. Watson is in the shot gun, throws over the middle, is tipped and incomplete. 3^rd and 12, Fuller catches the 8-yard pass and stopped by Claybo, forcing a 50-yard field goal. The field goal is good, the Texans lead 16/10 with 4 minutes left to go in the half.

Sheffield runs into traffic on the return and gives the Falcons the ball on their own 18. Ryan in the shot gun, quick pass to Jones for 8 yards across the 26. Hand off to Freeman, gains the first down by starting left and cutting right. Three receivers on the field, Ryan is under pressure, Ridley makes the 16-yard reception at the 44. Free another couple of yards as they go to the 2-minute warning.

To begin the final 2 minutes of the half, Ryan has 3 receivers to the left, pocket collapses, he runs and is tackled by Watt just before the first down. Sanu is behind center, takes the snap, Freeman gets the handoff, goes to the right for 21 yards. With just over a minute to go in the half, Falcons are at the 26. Ryan is in the shotgun, under pressure, Ryan scrambles for 4 yards, but Smith is called for holding. Falcons back at the Houston 36, it is 1^st and 20. Ryan fires downfield, ball is tipped over the outstretched hands of Ridley, with Sanu trailing the ball and almost hauling it in. Ryan quick throws to Smith, who is forced out by the facemask, so the Falcons are 1^st and 10 at the 14. Ryan incomplete to Ridley. Smith was called for holding, but the refs saw the replay and wipe out the penalty. Texans coach calls a time out.

From the Houston 15 and 37 seconds to go, Ryan takes the snap and hands off to Smith for 5 yards and call their first time out. On 3^rd down, Freeman is back on the field, Ryan off a screen to Freeman who forces his way in for a TOUCHDOWN.

With 22 seconds left in the half, the Falcons take the lead at 17/16.

Wile kicks into the end zone. Johnson takes the ball up the middle for 9 yards where he is stopped by Takk McKinley and Kazee. After another Houston time out, Watson has on incomplete pass to Fuller, defended by Takk. Another Johnson run up the middle, stopped by Jones and Ish. The final time out with 5 seconds left, Watson finds Coutee for 17 yards and he runs out of bounds at time expired.

The Texans received the ball in the 2^nd half. Hyde again takes the ball first, a 2-yard run stuffed by Davison. Watson then has a 4-yard pass to Hopkins. On 3^rd down, Watson goes deep to Coutee for 51 yards, where he is finally stopped by Rico. Johnson goes to the right side for 6 yards and is stopped by Debo. Hyde tries up the middle again, where Jarrett and Ish are waiting. First and goal at the 7, Watson to Fuller at the 1, Oliver makes the big stop. From the 1, Hyde gets the call, up the middle and in for the touchdown. The extra point is good and the Texans take the lead 23/17.

Next Falcons series, Ryan throws a screen to Freeman who is swarmed again. Then a receiver screen to Sanu – flags everywhere – personal foul, clipping by Alex Mack. Falcons on their own 15, with a 2^nd and 20, Ryan throws out of bounds over Ridley. 3^rd and 20 and big completion to Smith, who only makes it to the 25, forcing a Wile punt.

First and 10 from their own 34, Watson runs for 30 yards. From the Falcons 36-yard line, Johnson spins for 7 yards, stopped by Jones. Fuller makes the reception, fumbles, recovers and still gets 14 yards. At the Falcons 13, first down, Watson in the shotgun, Jones wraps up Johnson quickly. Watson scrambles right after 5 yards and is pushed out by Sheffield. After an incompletion to Fuller, Houston is forced to kick a field goal, 26/17 Texans.

First play is a pass for loss to Hooper, who then collapses on the field, apparently leg/ankle twist. He eventually jogged off under own power. A big pass over the middle to Freeman gains 7 yards. On 3^rd and 2, Ryan is pressured up in the pocket by Watt then sacked by DJ Reader. Watt easily gets by the right tackle and Freeman. Wile on to punt again, out of bounds. A flag is called on Houston and they will begin their own 12.

Watson is chased back into the endzone by Jarrett, after the ball is thrown, Bailey knocks Watson and is called for the penalty. Meanwhile the ball is a bomb up to the 50 that is nearly intercepted. With the ball at the 27, Hyde goes for 7 yards and is stopped by Trufant, there is a penalty on Darren Fells, and for the 3^rd time, it is first down, now and 20 from the 17. Watson, never shaken, finds Fuller 32 yards up the field, who is stopped by Sheffield, for a big first down. Hyde gains 7 yards and is stopped by Jarrett. Second and 3, Watson rushes to the right for the first down. At the Falcons 41, Watson fakes to Hyde, throws over the middle to DeAndre Hopkins for a 36-yard gain…..knocking Jones down and tackled yards later by Rico. Fuller makes the reception and is stopped at the 1-yard line by Oliver and Campbell. On the next play, the offense is called for a false start and moves the Texans back to the 6. From the shot gun, Watson drops back and lobs it out of the reach of Akins. Sheffield is called for the hold, providing a first down at the 3. Another false start on the Texans, then from the 8, Watson easily throws over all the Falcons defense to Fells over Campbell for the touchdown. With less than 2 to go in the third quarter, the Texans lead 33/17.

Ryan comes out throwing, a successful 14-yard pass to Ridley. Then a rushed incompletion to Hooper with Watt all over Ryan. 2^nd and 10 at the 39, in the wild cat set, Sanu runs left side for 1 yard. On 3^rd and 9, McGary gets the false start and it is 3^rd and 14. Ryan out of the pocket, throws to Hooper at the 44, and is hit as he throws. The third quarter ends as the Falcons prepare to punt.

On the Wile punt, Carter fumbles the ball and Jordan Miller pounces on it for the recovery. Now starting at the Texans 16, Freeman gets the ball for 3 yards. A shovel pass to Freeman gets to the 6, but there is an illegal shift prior to the snap and it is 2^nd and 12. Ryan’s pass is batted down by Watt. Empty backfield, Ryan makes the completion to Smith at the 8, 1 yard short of the first down. Fourth and 2, Ryan runs way back, makes the completion to Sanu, who is at the edge of the goal line and fumbles the ball. His knee was down before the ball came out – in a reach – so, no loss. First and goal at the 1. Smith gets the handoff to no avail. Second and goal, Jones is split out, doubled on the left. Freeman gets the call up the middle, even with the push of McGary – he is short. Third and goal from the half line, Ridley is wide out to the left, Ryan on the sneak, fumbles the ball and the Texans recover and Freeman makes the stop on the defender.

After the touchdown evaluation during the commercial break, the ball broke the goal line before Ryan fumbled it, so the touchdown is good, and the Falcons go for two. The ever-reliable Hooper catches the ball and gets the 2. Now, the Falcons are down 25/33 with over 11 minutes to go in the game.

Another Wile touchback, but this time, Carter runs it out to the 19. Watson is in the shotgun and hands off to Hyde who easily runs up the middle for the first down. Another Hyde run up the middle for only a 4-yard gain. Watson finds Hopkins for 20 yards over Oliver as Rico and Debo bring him down. In Falcon territory, Hyde tries another run, but is met by Jarrett again for no gain. A big pass over the middle to Hopkins with Oliver in chase, for 10 yards. Playing man to man, but the defense still cannot get a stop. Johnson takes the ball left, fast. After 24 yards, Rico is able to bring him down. At the Falcons 13, Johnson gets the ball again, but only a yard gain, Bailey and Jarrett. 2^nd and 9, Watson under center, chased by Grady, circles way back in the backfield and finally throws out of the end zone. 3^rd and 9, Hopkins in the shotgun, lobs one to Fells in the end zone stretched out over Ish.

With 6 minutes left in the game, the Texans lead 40/25.

On 1^st and 10 from the 25, Ryan throws over the top to Freeman for a gain of 9. From the shotgun, Ryan throws way down field to Sanu, the ball is tipped incomplete. Watt is called for roughing the passer and gives the Falcons 15 yards and a first down. From the 50, Ryan scrambles and is sacked by Watts, getting by McGary again. Ryan completes a 3-yard pass to Sanu, the 18 yards to Hooper. Another successful pass to Hooper for 11 yards. With 4:20 to go, at the Houston 27, Ryan is being chased and throws the ball out of bounds. Another incompletion out of bounds, while Schweitzer is called for the holding (on Watt). 2^nd and 20, Ryan in the shotgun, flips the ball to Freeman who gains 8 yards. 3^rd and 12, Ryan steps to the right, scrambling, Ridley for the 29-yard touchdown. The Falcons are down 40/32 and there is hope again.

Another bad kick off by Wile and the Texans start at their own 40. Johnson gains one yard stopped by Bailey and Davison. The Falcons take their first time out. Watson gets the snap and passes to Fuller on the left side for 7 yards, stopped by Takk and Tru. Falcons take their 2^nd time out. On 3^rd and 2, Watson hits Hopkins who is stopped by Oliver in bounds and take their final time out. 3 minutes left with no time outs, only the 2-minute warning and the Texans at midfield.

Takk makes a tackle for a 3-yard loss, ripping at the ball as well. On 2^nd and 13, Watson fires left for Hopkins for 8 yards, stopped by Sheffield and Rico as the 2-minute warning stops the clock. 3^rd and 5, Hyde in motion, Watson dancing and throwing to Fuller for another touchdown – Trufant in busted coverage.

After the kickoff, Ryan throws to Russell Gage at the 46. Ryan is hit as he throws another incompletion. Freeman gains another 5 yards, then a 14-yard pass to Hooper. Ryan steps to the right, on the run, and throws a pick six, as every falcon fan throws something through their tv and calls it a year. A 79-yard interception for a touchdown.

With 24 seconds to go, the Falcons actually put the offense back on the field. Ryan takes a knee and all of Houston celebrates.

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