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.
And so it begins…..the Era of Rah. Head Coach Raheem Morris is coaching his first game back as the Atlanta Falcons Head Coach. Pre Season Game 1 is at the Miami Dolphins, where the team has been in co-practice most of the week.
Captains are Storm Norton, Richie Grant, and Younghoe Koo.
Received the opening kickoff, with the new kickoff rules. Carlos Washington Jr returned the kick a few yards.
Now, we see Michael Penix, Jr for the first time. Casey Washington gets the call for a run that ended in a 3-yard loss. On 2nd and 13, Penix from the shotgun, finds Washington for a quick 7-yard gain. Now on 3rd and 6, Penix takes a shot down the field, just over the extended hands of Washington.
Deangelo Malone makes the tackle finally, even farther back as the returner escaped the first tackle, but ran backwards. Miami starts at their own 12. A quick pass, Antonio Hamilton Sr makes the quick stop. He was blocked, but got away and forced the 4-yard loss. From the shotgun, another quick pass. Kevin King knocked the ball out, but went out of bounds so the Dolphins retain. On 3rd and 3, empty backfield, Miami takes a shot down the field, out of bounds. King with good coverage.
Demarco Hellams was carted off the field with some sort of leg injury.
Natrone Brooks calls for a fair catch on the punt at the 41. Toss to Washington, Jr who gains a couple of yards along the left side. Penix drops back and hits Chris Blair, but he fumbles and Miami takes over in Falcon territory.
The Miami quarterback takes the ball himself and runs left for 5 yards. At the Falcons’ 45, Hamilton Sr makes a good tackle, but after the first down. From the 40, Miami runs the ball to the left and JD Bertrand makes his first NFL tackle after a 3-yard game. Second down has the running back slipping on the field with Kentavius Street on the tackle. Street and Arnold Ebiketie pressure the quarterback who throws early for an incompletion. Dolphins kick a 57-yard field goal to go up 3-0.
Washington, Jr grabs the kickoff and takes it up to the 20. Penix is under center and fakes the handoff, Penix finds Washington on the sideline for a big gain, but was just out of bounds for an incompletion. Next is a big pass to Blair for a 41-yard completion. Penix then overthrows Washington. False start backs the Falcons up, on 2nd and 15, Penix drops back, pumps and finds Washington on the 2nd read for another first down. From the 28, Jase McClellan gets the call and goes up the middle for 8 yards. McClellan then gets stopped at the line. On 3rd down, under pressure, Penix overthrows Washington, Jr in the end zone. Koo ties the game up.
The Dolphins begin their second possession with a pick off by King who returns the interception 29 yards. undercut the route.
From the Miami 16, Washington Jr loses a yard. Penix screen to Washington Jr who catches and runs up to the 4. First and goal, Washington Jr is wrapped up for a loss. From the 8, Penix passes to John Fitzpatrick who carries defenders to the one. Penix analyzed and held the ball for Fitzpatrick to get open. Third and goal from the one, Penix overthrows Washington in the side of the end zone. On fourth and goal, Penix hands to Washington Jr who runs straight into the end zone.
With 3 minutes left in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 10 to 3.
Miami starts at their own 27. A quick hand off, Zach Harris makes the stop in the backfield. On 2nd and 11, Miami’s pass is nearly intercepted, the receiver is WWE slammed by Bertrand immediately. On 3rd and 5, empty backfield, a wide open tight end gains 43 yards, Falcons were caught in cover 2, then a missed tackle, but finally a stop by Hamilton, Sr. Second down is an incompletion by blocked pass. A successful reception gets the Dolphins to the 9. First and goal, a handoff for 4-yard gain.
The second quarter begins with a 2nd and goal from the 6, from the shotgun, the Dolphins have a dropped pass. On the next play, the Dolphins score with Bertrand closing, but the receiver gets the ball over the pilon before the tackle.
A few seconds into the second quarter, the Falcons begin their third possession form their own 10. Penix drops back and passes up to McClellan, who tries to one-hand the ball but cannot. Penix goes back to McClellan up the middle for a successful reception, then to Fitzpatrick for the first down along the right side. McClellan tries to run again for no gain. A reception my Washington on 2nd down causes a 3rd and 6. Penix in the shotgun drops back and fires to the sideline at the marker to KhaDarel Hodge, but the pass is broken up.
After the punt, Miami gets a good run off a reverse for a 21-yard gain. Across midfield, the running back is stopped by Braylen Trice after a 2-yard gain. Back to back first downs and shove out of bounds by Micah Abernathy move the Dolphins to the Falcons 25. Several more quick first downs have the Dolphins at the Falcons’ 5, then backed up vis delay of game to the 10. Still driving and on 4th and 2, the quarterback keeps the ball and slides for a first down at the 3, but Raheem Morris challenges the spot of the ball and the Falcons get the ball.
First down is a Washington run up the middle for a gain of 6 yards. Then Taylor Heinicke, in at quarterback, hands off to Jovaughn Gwyn who fumbles and loses the ball.
Miami takes the ball two yards on the recovery, then another quick 6 yards for the touchdown and with just over 5 minutes left in the half, the Dolphins lead 17 to 10.
The Falcons take over on the 19 after the kick off. Heinicke has a short 4-yard pass to Dylan Drummond. Heinicke then attempts two deep pass that fall incomplete to Blair, then to Washington. Ryan Sanborn punts 42 yards to the Miami 35.
The defensive rookies continue to stand out. Miami goes three and out with quick stops and passes defended by Bertrand, Ruke Orhorhoro.
As the first half draws to a close, the teams exchange punts again, with one final play and possession by the Falcons as time expires.
I was not able to watch the second half as the stream of the game kept going out. The Falcons did lose 20/13 with no scoring in the fourth quarter.
Overall, we got much of what we expected. Seeing mostly rookies and guys competing for playing time and positions. Penix looked pretty good, al biet overthrowing some receivers, but also those overthrows were out of reach of defenders too. Penix finished 9 of 16 for 104 yards. Both Casey Washington and Carlos Washington, Jr stood out offensively. Casey had 3 receptions for 27 yards and a fumble recovery on special teams. Carlos had 16 carries for 25 yards, a long of 9 yards, 1 reception of 13 yards, with only 2 targets. The offense had 3 fumbles, 2 lost; which does not bode well, but some of these guys may not be on the roster by September, or certainly will learn to hold onto the ball better.
Defensively, rookies Jayden Price had 7 tackles, Bertrand 4, Ruke 2 and looked good overall. Returners, Malone, Abernathy, and Ebiketie had decent playing time and good performances. King, of course, stood out with a great interception. He read the play and stepped in front of the pass. There are many defenders that are new to the Falcons that competed well, but with the starters on the sideline in plain clothes, it will take a couple of games to see who sticks and who does not.
Unfortunately, the game started pretty early with some injuries on both teams. DeMarcco Hellams left on the cart with an injury to his left leg, later in the first half rookie Bralen Trice also injured his left leg. No prognosis on either yet.
Overall, saw some good things from some young guys. Seemed like the same story we have seen for 10 years, close, red zone, no scoring, defense hands O the ball and nothing good happens. But this was pre season game 1 with a totally new regime, so we will see.
As a season ticket owner, we get a free party at the Mercedez Benz Stadium for opening night of the NFL draft nearly every year. This year was a disappointment on several levels. In years past, 4 to 5 photo stations were set up with 3 to 4 legends, 3 to 5 current players and a set of cheerleaders at each station. After an hour or so, another set moved in, so if you timed lines correctly, you could get a ton of pix and have good chats with players. Fans are scattered between all these groups and other photo opportunities, food, bars, games.
This year, only two photo lines were set up. One had Kirk Cousins as the headliner, the other Bijan Robinson. Other current players were in both sections as well, all in pairs. In total, you could obtain pix with 12 players. A few notable names, others I didn’t even know where on the team (no slander intended). The lines were super long because there were only two.
Kirk Cousins and Jovaughn Gwyn
Ta’Quon Graham & Zach Harrison
Micah Abernathy & David Onyemata
I went through the Cousins’ line, that was really a good option since he is the newest big name, QB1 and all. I met Bijan at camp, otherwise would have made it through that line as well. Again, in past years, there were legends from a variety of years as well as the last draft class with others mixed in. The pictures moved a little quicker this year because they had photographers taking your pix instead of you handing your phone over and back, then you checked in to have a link texted to you to receive your pictures.
Everyone was super nice and gracious. Kirko was all smiles, I really felt bad for him later. Likely he was still driving home when they called to tell him they were about to “pick a QB at 8…..but he is still number one.”
The roof started closed, but was opened at some point during the night. It was a perfect night for an open roof and always fascinates me that it opens or closes without any of us even knowing. Despite the draft party disappointment, we still have the best stadium in the league.
There was also less photo options around. The RISE UP sign was there as well as the Red helmet, but no wings or other opportunities. The letters were so spread out, you would never get a single, clean picture there. Freddie and Lil Fred were there, social as always. There were several corn hole games, lots of beer vendors and high top tables on the field. This year, over half the field was covered with panels making it easier to walk, so that was nice. Locker room tours were also available, very long line all night, so no sure if they were limiting numbers or scheduling time, but I’ve been through there so many times since before the stadium even officially opened.
I did have a fun time visiting with Falcon friends that I only see on game days for a few minutes because we all come from somewhere different and are headed to different seating locations or different events inside. The food and drink lines in the Delta club were not horrible, long, but didn’t seem as bad as previous years. They anticipated 8000-10,000, not sure how many attended, but seems like allot of people were everywhere all the time.
Carl Dukes and Mike Bell were wrapping up their pre-draft coverage and regular programming as the night kicked off. Then Dave Archer, Wes Durham, Beau Morgan, and Mike Conti provided draft coverage from one of the field suites for 92.9 The Game. Got to chat with all of them for a short time, so that was a definite plus to the evening. Not living in Georgia, I don’t have access to all these guys regularly or at local remotes, so excited when I do get a few minutes to chat and not just tweet them during the day.
There was music and draft coverage on the halo board, couldn’t hear well, but could see as each team as they made their picks. Music was cut for the Falcons’ pic, maybe should have kept that going to muffle the reaction and language from much of the attendees with a quarterback was taken at 8. Only Ovie Mughelli thought the Falcons were going with Michael Penix, Jr with their first pick of this 2024 draft. Ovie and John Abraham were in attendance and helped kick off the event from the stage.
Now….to the pick. First, I have NOTHING against Michael Penix, Jr. From everything I have seen and heard so far, seems like a great guy, great work ethic, one of the best quarterbacks coming out this season. And another 6 year college guy. He has a longer story than most, with the COVID years, changing colleges, recovering from injury. Penix had 2 healthy, solid years at Washington, winning 20+ accolades and leading the Huskies to the National Championship game for the 2023 season. From an interview with 92.9’s Dukes and Bell, Penix talked about returning for a second year to Washington to show he was healthy by having that 2nd healthy college year. Sounds like he has quite an arm and is known for his accuracy. From that same interview, seemed very excited to be coming to Atlanta and learning under such an experienced Kirk Cousins.
With all of that said, several days later, I can semi get behind the selection, but when it happened, the entire stadium was rocked and mad and upset and all the things. I literally just met some new folks and we were talking about needs and I said “I don’t watch enough college to know all the names, but I am going to be really angry if we pick a quarterback, offensive lineman or receiver at 8.” So when it happened, of the 5 people I was standing with, 2 said words I won’t repeat here and walked off. The other 3 and I raged at each other in disbelief and confusion mixed together.
Later, we will find out that General Manager Terry Fontenot and Head Coach Raheem Morris decided that we will not be in this position again for years (with such a high pick) so we needed to draft the quarterback of the future now. Even if “he sites for 3 to 5 years.” WHAT? With all the needs we have, we are going to waste that high of a pick on someone that is not planned to be contributing for 3 or more years? The recent deal with Cousins is $100 million over the first two years, $90 million of that guaranteed. Then you are going to draft and pay Penix another $22.8 million over his first 4 years…..when he MAY NOT PLAY. I get the “plan” is to be winning so much with Cousins that Penix learns from a legit quarterback, but he will be 24 this May, so he could be late 20’s before he ever actually plays?
If all goes as Terry and Ra think, I am all in. I am concerned about money, now and in the future, but smarter minds than mine manages more money than I do, so I am trying to have the faith I originally had with Raheem was named head coach.
I don’t know how you are going to evaluate a player’s ability in 3+ years with him as the practice QB, but hopefully we will have such good leads over the next several years, Penix will get good playing time to stay in playing shape while waiting to get the start. I know that we needed another quarterback to back up Cousins, run practice/drills and be ready for the future. I guess that Terry was too traumatized from the Marcus Mariotta/Desmond Ridder failed test that we didn’t want to grow a guy from farther down in the draft.
As I wrap here, I will go glass half full. I’ve had several days to calm down, lots of radio talking me off the ledge, and watched several interviews with Penix. The last time that Atlanta had a quarterback from Washington, Chris Chandler took us to our first Super Bowl.
The Atlanta Falcons are in their all white uniforms today in Minnesota. Julio Jones is back from his hamstring injury. Inactives include TakkMcKinley and JaylinnHawkins due to injury, and JordanMiller, QadreeOllison, and JohnWetzel. Note that JohnCominsky and MarlonDavidson are on the COVID reserve list.
“Interim” Head Coach Raheem Morris makes his debut today leading the Atlanta Falcons into Minnesota. Morris made a few staffing changes after being named the HC of the Falcons and will not continue his Defensive Coordinator role.
YounghoeKoo kicks off to start the game with a return to the 24.
KirkCousins fakes the handoff and throws to…..DEIONJONES. After a 17-yard return, the Falcons offense will take the field at the Minnesota 29.
A handoff to ToddGurley for 9 yards to start, then Gurley gets the first down on the next play. From the 19, MattRyan tosses back to Gurley, who is stopped by CamDantzler for a 4-yard loss. On 2nd down, Ryan looks down the field but tosses to Gurley for a 3-yard gain, still 11 yards to go for the first down. Ryan finds an open Julio Jones in the end zone for a quick score.
With 12:02 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 7/0.
Koo to kickoff again, a big return across the 25.
Cousins is under center, fakes the handoff, is nearly sacked, but dumps it to Justin Jefferson who is stopped, hard, behind the line by AJ Terrell. On 2nd and 12, it is a handoff by Alexander Mattison who is stopped after 7 yards. Terrell makes the stop again forcing the 4th down.
The Falcons begin on their own 14, with another handoff to Gurley for a 6-yard gain. On 2nd and 4, Ryan from the shotgun, confuses Gurley who is called for a false start. He leaves the field and on 2nd and 9, Ryan is pressured, finds Jones short, who turns the gain into a 23-yard gain. Russell Gage and Jake Matthews opening up a hole for Jones on the left side. Next, CalvinRidley gains 8 yards as a running back along the left side. Near midfield, on 2nd and 2, Ryan hands to Gurley who is stuffed in the backfield again. On 3rd and 3, Ryan drops back and finds Hayden Hurst across midfield for an 8-yard gain and first down. A play fake yields an incomplete pass by Ryan. Ryan changes the play at the line, then scrambles and runs for 5 yards along the right sideline. On 3rd and 5, Gurley forces through for 4 yards. The offense stays on the field for a 4th and 1 at the 33. Gurley goes straight ahead for several yards and another first down. A short pass to a sliding Ridley for 5 yards. Under center, Ryan changes the play several times, then tosses back to Brian Hill for no gain. On 3rd and 7, Hill gains a single yard and the Falcons are forced to kick a 50-yard field goal.
With 3:12 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 10/0.
Mattison gets the first call of this series where he meets Keanu Neal for a massive hit and 3-yard loss. Cousins passes to Mattison near the line of scrimmage and the Vikings have a 3rd and 9. Cousin drops back, under pressure throws short of the receiver with D Jones in coverage and the ball falls incomplete. Terrell’s tight coverage down the field closes off that option. The Vikings punt to Brandon Powell.
From the 45, Ryan rolls right and finds Russell Gage for a 19-yard reception. Another play action pass to Keith Smith for a 3-yard gain. On 2nd and 7, Ryan, from the shotgun, hands to Hill who has a good run, but the ball comes flying out and is recovered by the Vikings.
The Vikings take over at their own 24. Cousins fakes and throws long to wide open Irv Smith with Neal in coverage. A 36-yard reception to end the quarter.
The end of the first quarter has Minnesota driving, but still down 10/0.
Mattison gains a single yard to start quarter. Cousins hits Kyle Rudolph for a 19-yard gain, to the Falcons 20. Cousins finds Jefferson near the end zone for a first down. From the 3 1/2, Mattison gets the ball and meets Foye Oluokun quickly at the line. On 2nd down, back to Mattison up the middle where he is stopped by the defense at the 1. Cousin fakes to Mike Boone, a pass to Smith and Jones knocks the ball out at the goal line. On 4th down, a quick snap goes to Boone and Dante Fowler sniffs it out and slows him down, while Neal and Grady Jarrett make the stop.
You Shall Not Pass….Keanu Neal and Grady Jarrett stop Mike Boone at the goal line on 4th down. Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons
Starting on their own 2, Gurley moves the Falcons out to the 5. Gurley gets a first down on the next run, along the right side. Gurley gets the toss play and steps out of bounds for a 3-yard loss. On 2nd and 13, Ryan throws the ball short to Gurley. The flag on the play is for a personal foul for a player lowering his head, so a freebie first down and move out to the 30. On first down, Ryan fakes to Ito Smith and finds Ridley who spins his way near midfield. Ridley makes a cut and change of direction before the catch to completely get open from the defender. Ryan scrambles around after a fake to Smith, then falls down to end the play. On 2nd and 14, Ryan is sacked. Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary are blown through for the sack. Third and 17, Ryan is under great pressure and throws into the dirt.
SterlingHofrichter punts to the 15-yard line.
Rookie AJ Terrell Makes Remarkable and His First Interception of the Season – Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons
Cousins hands to Mattison who finds room along the left side for a 16-yard gain. Cousins cannot find anyone downfield, he runs toward the sideline, getting knocked by Neal as he lets go of the ball. Next is another handoff to Mattison for a short gain. On 3rd and 9, Cousins finds AJ TERRELL, for his first INT of his rookie season. A low ball, Terrell left his guy, caught the ball between his legs, rolled up to maintain possession. Falcons ball at the 40.
With 5:46 to go to the half, Ryan hands to Gurley for a couple of yards. Ridley makes the short reception, makes a man miss, twirls and makes another first down as he heads out of bounds. Seeing something he didn’t like, Ryan calls a time out. From the 24, Ryan finds Ridley at the first down marker, but had to come back to escape a tackle and ended with a 9-yard gain. From the Vikings 15, Ryan hands to Gurley who is dropped in the backfield for a loss. Keith Smith let the defender by. From the shotgun, Ryan finds Jones who gets the first down, right at the marker. Ryan finds Jones on the sideline for a quick 5 yards.
After the 2-minute warning, Ryan finds Ridley at the 7, who then zooms in for the touchdown!
Koo’s successful extra point extends the Falcons lead just under 2 minutes til half time to 17/0.
Cousins scrambles and finally finds Adam Thielen for a first down. Rudolph makes the next reception for 9-yard gain. Then a quick rush for a first down to the left, stopped by Oluokun at midfield. From the shotgun, Cousins reception is complete, but the play is negated by an offsides penalty. 1st and 5, Cousins finds….FOYE OLUOKUN this time. With Jarrett inches away from the sack, JacobTuioti-Mariner tips the ball that falls into Oluokun’s hands.
At midfield, Ryan finds Hill along the sideline for a 3-yard gain. Ryan’s ball is deflected by the defender draping Jones, but the ball falls incomplete. On 3rd and 7, Ryan finds Gage, who leaps over defenders to gain another few yards. Gage makes the next reception and runs out of bounds after another 4-yard gain. Hill gains 3 yards before the Falcons call a time out. On 3rd and 3, Ryan finds Ito Smith 2-yards away, who then turns it into a 17-yard gain and almost a touchdown. Ryan throws out of the end zone, then a run by Hill up the middle. The Falcons take their final time out with 4 seconds to go and Koo adds another 3 on a 21-yard field goal.
With 1 second to go, the Vikings run a play, stopped by Terrell….and the whole Falcons line.
Halftime: Falcons 20 Vikings 0.
Powell takes the ball out of the end zone, loses the ball, but rookie Mykal Walker recovers the fumble. Ryan starts at the 16 with a change of play and move into the shotgun. He finds Olamide Zaccheaus upfield, who cannot hold on due to a hard hit by the defender. Ryan fakes to Ito Smith, then finds Ridley near the sideline for 7 yards. On 3rd and 3, Ryan finds Gage at midfield for a big 27-yard gain. At the 50, Ryan drops back and throws across the field toward Ridley, but too short. On 2nd down, Ryan finds Jones for a 5-yard reception, Jones forces 2 more. On 3rd and 3, Ryan throws over the middle to Hurst, who makes the first down, but then takes a seat on the field after being flipped over. Fake the toss and Ryan throws across the field to Powell for no gain….but there is a flag on the defense, moving the Falcons up and another first down. From the 32, Gurley runs for 4 yards to the right. Changing the play at the line again, Ryan is pressured and throws way out of bounds over Ridley. A third and six is thrown out of bounds, out of the reach of Christian Blake. Koo kicks a 47-yard field goal.
With 10:45 to go in the 3rd, Falcons lead 23/0.
The Vikings throw to Jefferson for a 35-yard gain with Kendall Sheffield in coverage, just a couple steps too far away. Cousins finds wide open Rudolph for a 9-yard gain, with an illegal hands to face by Atlanta, which is accepted for a 1st and 5. Mattison tries to go up the middle, but Jones is there to stop for an 11 yard loss. The reception is made for a short gain, but Walker is there for a big tackle immediately. The offense is called for holding, which back them up farther. On 2nd and 24, the Vikings at midfield, Cousins hits Jefferson for 19 yards. On 3rd and 5, Cousins finds Jefferson along the sideline with tight coverage by Sheffield. From the 22, Cousins bootlegs out, is rocked by Jones as he releases the ball that goes out of the back of the end zone. On 2nd down, Cousins drops back, throws up to Boone who is dropped at the 16 by Isaiah Oliver. On 3rd and 4, Cousins throws out of the end zone again. The Vikings offense lines up on 4th down. Cousins finds Smith over the middle, at the first down marker. Tackled by Jones. From the Falcons 11, Cousins rifles one to Jefferson that Terrell takes down, but in the end zone for their first score of the game.
With 6:25 to go in the 3rd quarter, Falcons still up, 23/7.
Powell brings the kickoff out again, this time maintaining possession and up to the 30-yard line. Ryan hands to Hill for a 5-yard gain. Hill again, up the middle for a first down. Ito Smith goes up the middle for 4 yards. On 2nd and 6, Ryan fakes to Ito Smith and finds Jones along the sideline for 7 yards. Gurley in for the play fake, but nothing is open so Ryan throws it at his feet. On 2nd and 10, Ryan pumps then runs for an 8-yard run. Gurley gets the call, but is stopped behind the line.
Julio Jones – You Can’t Touch This, Photo Courtesy of Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons
On 4th and 3 at the 40, Ryan takes the high snap, scrambles ands starts to run, then comes back behind the line of scrimmage, finds Jones at the 29. Jones stiff arms the defender, then runs along the sideline for the touchdown. In the end zone, for the 2nd time today, salutes the Atlanta Braves with the “Mix it up” sign.
With 2:01 to go in the 3rd, the Falcons extend their lead 30/7.
From their 20, Cousins drops back, but is met by Allen Bailey for a 10-yard loss and sack with Jarrett right behind him. On 2nd and 20, Cousins can’t find Mattison as he was tightly covered by Oluokun. On 3rd and 20 from the 15, Cousins finds Jefferson at the 25, but stopping him there are Oluokun and Oliver. Another punt and no return.
Ryan hands off to Gurley for a 2-yard game before the quarter ends.
Fourth quarter begins with the Falcons driving and leading 30/7.
On 2nd and 8 from their own 30, Ryan hands to Gurley for another 4 yards. Ryan finds Gurley short of the first down marker, but Gurley turns it into a 14-yard gain and first down. Near midfield, Ryan hands to Gurley again for a couple yard gain. Another 6 yards for Gurley, forcing a 3rd and 1. From the backfield, Gurley gets the handoff but stopped way behind the line for a loss of 2 yards. On 4th and 3, Hofrichter comes on to punt, but there is a false start by Tuioti-Mariner, moving the Falcons back to 4th and 8. The punt goes to the 25.
Cousins is hit by Bailey as he throws out of bounds. Fowler was coming behind him as well. Mattison is knocked down by Bailey as he goes up the middle. On 3rd and 6, Cousins has his pass batted down by Oliver, out of the hands of the receiver. Another Vikings punt taken by Powell at the 21 and returned to the 33.
Ryan opens it up and finds Jones for a 31-yard gain. One on one Dantzler and Jones – Jones always winning that one. Hill gets the handoff, but cannot gain any yards behind the left side. Ryan drops back and finds Hurst for 8 yards along the sideline. On 3rd and 2, Ryan is in the shotgun and hands to Gurley who finds the first down up the middle of the line. Zaccheaus is headed downfield while Ryan is throwing short for an incompletion. Blake is in motion and makes the reception for 5 yards. On 3rd and 5, after some scrambling, Ryan is sacked. The Falcons kick another field goal of 43 yards.
With 7:16 to go in the game, the Falcons extend their lead 33/7.
After the kickoff, the Vikings start at their own 25. Cousins finds Jefferson who is in the arms of the Oliver, but gains the 17-yard first down. Cousins finds Johnson, but a flag on the play by Sheffield moves the ball up and a first down. Amir Abdullah makes the reception, but falls just past the line of scrimmage. On 2nd and 9, Cousins hits Smith for a 2 yard gain, stopped by Neal. Then, Thielen makes a 35-yard reception as he was blanketed by Terrell. From the 15, Cousins finds Beebe who is WWE slammed down by Jones. From the 6, Cousins throws to Rudolph just inside the end zone, but the ball hits the ground first. Abdullah gets the first down up the middle. From the 2, Cousins finds Thielen in the middle of the end zone for the touchdown, escaping the coverage of Jones. In for the 2-point conversion, Smith easily runs through the left side.
With 3:58 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 33/15. The onsides kick goes directly to Deion Jones and the Falcons take over the ball as the Minnesota 44. Ryan gives to Hill, who is stopped near the line, but then drags tacklers for a 9-yard gain. Hill gets no yards on the next attempt. On the 3rd and 1, Hill gets the call again along the left side and doesn’t gain the first down. Minnesota takes a time out. On 4th down, a fake to Hill, Hurst is wide open on the left sideline at the 30, with Zaccheaus taking on 3 defenders to keep him open. Hurst in for the touchdown.
Uncovered Hayden Hurst in for the 30-Yard Touchdown – Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons
Beginning on their own 22, Cousins connects with Rudolph for a 19-yard gain, in the arms of Neal.
2:00 Warning: Falcons 33 Vikings 15 at their own 39. On first down, Cousins drops back, up to Smith across the 50 for a 13-yard gain. Jefferson escapes Sheffield for the 49-yard touchdown. They add the 2-point conversion.
With 1:26 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 40/23.
Another onsides kick, this time, similar to the INT’s to the Falcons, 2nd onsides kick goes to AJ Terrell.
From the 49, Ito Smith goes 4 yards. Ryan takes a knee and the clock runs out…..with a Falcons WIN.
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