Even with the referees spotting the Lions 7 points early, the Falcons were close and the game went to the wire. Lesson not-learned, you cannot play Prevent Defense against a good, experienced quarterback. Todd Gurley accidently scored the go-ahead touchdown, but left too much time on the clock. Is that really Gurley’s fault? He knew the plan, you could see him try to stop, he didn’t know the hole would open up so quickly. Everyone can blame the loss on Gurley. I do not.
After the ensuing kickoff, the Lions had 6 actual plays that culminated in the scoring of their game-winning touchdown. Passes of 13, 22, and 29 yards before the 11-yard touchdown to tie the game. Tight end TJ Hockenson had the first reception and was headed out of bounds. The defense played it perfectly. Rookie AJ Terrell hits Hockenson and stops his movement with a shoulder to his stomach, forcing him to not be able to get out of bounds. Then, Hockenson tries to spin off, Terrell continues to hold on, long enough for Isaiah Oliver and Foye Oluokun to join and ensure an inbounds tackle. Precious seconds wound off the clock from Hockenson’s continued movement and the inbounds tackle. At this point, the Lions had used all of their timeouts on the Falcons’ last drive.
Yet still, the next two plays of over 20 yards a piece lead to the 3 seconds remaining, enough time for a touchdown play.
However, this was not the only causes for the loss. The keys to the loss on Sunday. The early game penalty providing an extra down and touchdown for the Lions. Late game, after the Lions uncharacteristically miss a field goal, Matt Ryan fumbles the ball and the Lions get the ball back at the same original spot, and 3 plays later, get that field goal back.
There were self-inflicted wounds. Untimely penalties. Giving up sacks at the wrong time. On a crucial defensive 3rd and 1, the Falcons (technically) had 12 men on the field. Poor execution in the last two minutes of the first half, giving up a score. And after an 89-yard drive, on 4th and 5, instead of going for the manageable field goal, the Falcons go for the first down and Ryan makes an ill-timed throw that is tipped by the defender. If Ryan’s throw to Ito Smith is accurate, it is a touchdown. If they kicked the field goal, 3 points on the board.
Detroit clearly had a better game plan defensively than Atlanta did offensively. Detroit forced Atlanta to have long drives, while eating up time, but not allowing big plays. Detroit was able to make those big plays, twelve of them as a matter of fact. Passes from 16 to 32 yards throughout the game. Matthew Stafford does not like check downs or the underneath, so when he drops back to throw, he’s going long. The Falcons playing their zone, was not working. When in man-to-man, the defense was much more successful. But, in the end, you cannot give up big yards on a scramble play near the end of game.
Once again, Clemson rookie Terrell was a stand out. While Terrell only had 4 tackles, he is always in good coverage and contesting passes, and had what should have been key to the game noted above. Keanu Neal seems to finally be back to 100% and was very physical and moving around the field. Neal led the team in tackles with 11 and a sack on Stafford. Another consistent standout was Oluokun who had 9 tackles and a pass defended. Kendall Sheffield finished with 6 tackles, Steven Means with 5, 1 for loss, Deion Jones had 4 tackles, 2 for loss, and a sack. Rookie Mykal Walker had 3 tackles and is really getting an eye for the pro game with his increased playing time. Grady Jarrett only had 2 tackles, but 4 quarterback hits and good pressure on the day.
Deion Jones and Mykal Walker combine for a tackle. Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons/Kyle Hess
Atlanta had another goal line stand Sunday, even with the referees helping the Lions, again. Jarrett was called for a roughing the passer hit, Jarrett tapped Stafford from behind, just as the ball was released and tried to help him not fall to the ground. The refs flagged the Falcons and gave the Lions 15 yards on an already successful play. At the goal line, Dante Fowler hard stopped Adrian Peterson before Peterson could score. After another questionable penalty, the Falcons were backed up from the 3 to the 1 1/2, but had the ball.
Then, the Falcons offense took the ball 98 yards for a touchdown. Detroit was playing cover two much of the day forcing the Falcons to run the ball. The Offensive struggled against the zone coverage, forcing Ryan to take the check downs and stuffing the run. Gurley had 23 rushes for 63 yards, one of 13 yards and 2 touchdowns. Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley did have long receptions of 28 and 27 yards, but all other receptions were under 20 yards. Jones caught 8 of 9 balls thrown his way for 97 yards, while Ridley caught 5 of 7 for 69 yards and a touchdown and 2-point conversion. Russell Gage left but came back after being listed as questionable, and caught 6 passes for 54 yards.
Hayden Hurst Making Guys Miss. Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons/Rob Foldy
On Tight Ends Day, Hayden Hurst had 6 receptions for 68 yards. Hurst getting more involved in the offense, making receptions, then speeding for additional yards is becoming an increasing asset to the offense. Both other tight ends, had no receptions, but both logged a penalty during the game.
This week, the Falcons lose by SCORING a touchdown. They lost on an onside kick, with no time on the clock, a backup quarterback scoring 3 touchdowns, allowing big comebacks. What is next? Don’t ask. There is a game on a short week, during a tropical storm.
The Atlanta Falcons rolled out their third and final new jersey of the season. The red gradient jerseys. After the rain passed, the roof was opened. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter Dr. Bernice King pulled the train horn to kick off the game while overlooking the field, painted with “Rise Up and Vote.”
The only item of note on the Inactive list this week is that with Takk McKinley back on the active roster, DeadrinSenat is back to the inactives. Jaylinn Hawkins is still inactive with an injury.
The Falcons receive the opening kickoff and begin on their own 18. MattRyan hands to ToddGurley who finds no room running parallel to the line of scrimmage. On 2nd and 9, Ryan is under pressure and throws a quick shot to HaydenHurst, but he cannot haul the pass in. On 3rd and 9, Ryan finds Hurst short of the marker, but he stumbles forward for the first down. From the 31, Julio Jones is in motion with Gurley in the backfield, he gets the call and rushes for 3 yards. Another Gurley run for short gain. AlexMack is collapsed on the field under Gurley. Rookie MattHennessy comes on for Mack. On 3rd and 5, Ryan cannot connect with RussellGage for the first down and the Falcons punt.
MattStafford leads the Lions onto the field. On first down, Adrian Peterson finds a hole for a 7-yard gain and is stopped by DeionJones. From the 31, Peterson gains no yards, as he is met by the whole line. On 3rd and 4, Keanu Neal ensures the tight end cannot gain the 3 yards. The Lions punt to Brandon Powell as the ball rolls into the end zone.
Gurley is in the backfield, Ryan making adjustments at the line. Gurley gets a couple of yards. On 2nd and 8, Ryan drops back, but quickly throws near laterally to Gage who loses two yards and is down, looking not good on the field. Gage is helped off the field. Powell comes in for Gage and Brian Hill is in at running back and gets the call for a 7-yard gain. Hofrichter back on to punt.
Stafford begins at the 29 and finds a wide-open TJ Hockenson for a 16-yard pick up. Stafford goes deep for former Falcon Marvin Hall, who is blanketed by rookie AJ Terrell and the ball is complete. On 2nd and 10, Stafford gives to Peterson who quickly meets Foye Oluokun for a 1-yard gain. On 3rd and 9 at the 46, Stafford from the shotgun, finds a wide-open Marvin Jones at the 31 of Atlanta. Zone defense is opening the offense up. A 23-yard pick up. D’Andre Swift rushes for 8 yards. Swift with the first down, breaking tackles and gaining 13 yards, where he is stopped by Ricardo Allen. Grady Jarrett stops Swift from scoring. On 2nd and goal from the 7, Oluokun stops Jones from making the reception. On 3rd and goal, Stafford scrambles and while looking for a receiver, doesn’t even see Terrell who lays him out. Terrell is called for roughing the passer. Swift scores a touchdown on the next play.
With 4:11, the Lions lead 7/0.
The Falcons begin at their own 18. A Gurley rush of 2 yards, then an incomplete to Julio Jones forces a third down. On 3rd and 8, Ryan is under pressure and cannot connect with Powell and another punt.
The Lions begin on their on 37. Stafford passes to Peterson at the line of scrimmage where McKinley takes him out of bounds. On 2nd and 9, Stafford changes the play, then hands to Peterson who gained no yards, stopped by Neal who got off the WR block. On 3rd and 9, Stafford throws to Amendola at the first down marker, but he cannot haul the ball in. Another Lions punt.
Grady Jarrett and Keanu Neal stop Adrian Peterson – Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons/Kyle Hess
The Falcons begin on their own 11 with less than 2 minutes to go in the first quarter. Hurst makes the reception at the first down marker, makes a few yards and leaps over another defender. Jones gets the next pass for 8 yards. Near the 40, the pass is to Calvin Ridley on a slant route, but the ball was too far back on his shoulder and cannot haul in the pass. Raheem Morris throws the challenge flag that Hurst caught the ball on a deflection. The ball bounced off of Ridley’s shoulder, off the defender twice and while still in the air, Hurst hauled it in. The call was reverse and the Falcons have a first down at their own 42. A fake to Gurley and a too high pass to Ridley near the sideline. Ryan dumps off to Hill who gains 9 yards as the quarter ends.
End of first quarter, the Lions lead 7/0 over the Falcons, who are driving near midfield.
At the Detroit 49, the Falcons are 2nd and 1, Olamide Zaccheaustakes the snap and pushes up the middle for no gain. On 4th and 1, Hurst is in motion and gains the first down and 9 yards. Ryan is flushed out of pocket and from the line of scrimmage finds Ridley on the sideline, while dragging toes to ensure he is in bounds. From the Lions 22, Ryan fakes to Gurley and lobs it to the end zone to Hurst who nearly makes a one-handed catch. There is a hold on the defense providing 5 yards and a first down at the 17. Ryan hands off to Gurley who gains no yards before heading out of bounds. On 2nd and 10 Ryan finds Powell for the touchdown, but is negated by a Ridley PI. On 2nd and 20, Ryan from the shotgun, finds Gurley over the middle for 11 yards. On 3rd and 9, Ryan throws out of the end zone over Ridley, who gets up a little gimpy. PI called on the defense, a fresh set of downs and the all on the 1. Ryan fakes to Gurley and Luke Stocker cannot make the reception. On 2nd and goal, Gurley runs into a wall and is stopped at the 2. Third down, Gurley goes around the right side and gets the touchdown.
With 10:54 to go to the half, the game is tied at 7.
After the kickoff, the Lions begin on their own 21. Stafford fakes to Peterson and connects with Kenny Golladay under coverage of Kendall Sheffield and Deion Jones. After a 13-yard pick up, Peterson gets the call for a 7-yard gain. At the 41, Peterson gains no yards and Swift returns to the game. On 3rd and 3, Stafford finds Amendola wide open on the sideline for an 18-yard gain. Jarrett is called for a roughing the passer for shoving Stafford after the release of the ball. Swift is run out of bounds by Jones. On 3rd and 11 from the Falcons 12, Hockenson is open and makes the 10-yard reception. On 4th and 1, Peterson gets the ball and Dante Fowler makes the stop behind the line of scrimmage. A flag comes onto the field AFTER the end of the play. Fowler’s helmet was knocked off by another player, but the Falcons were charged with a penalty.
The Falcons begin on their own 2. Ryan and Hurst cannot connect on first down. Gurley steps over a player for another yard. On 3rd and 8 from the end zone, Ryan finds Ridley at the 31 for a 27-yard first down reception. Hill gets the call for a yard. On 2nd and 9 Ryan drops back, under a delayed blitz, Ryan scrambles and runs, then sees Hill for a short gain, who goes for the first down on his own. From the 43, Ryan hands to Hill who shoves his way for 2 yards. on 2nd and 8, Ryan finds Hurst across midfield for a 17-yard reception. Hurst was settled in behind the smaller linebackers and just waited on the ball.
Two Minute Warning.
From the 38, Gurley gains 3 yards. Jones returns to the field, plays decoy and Powell hauls in the reception for 4 yards. on 3rd and 3, Ryan find Jones for a 13-yard gain to the 18. Jones is standing at the 5 where he catches the next pass, before gimping off the field again. The Falcons call Time out. First and goal from the 5, Gurley gets the call and gains a few yards. Jones is being stretched out on the sideline, then comes back onto the field. The Lions take a time out with 42 seconds remaining. Second down, Ryan drops back and finds Ridley in the back of the end zone, one foot in, second foot out. On third down, Ryan finds Ridley in the middle of the end zone for the touchdown. Ridley had escaped his defender and was wide open at the point of reception.
29 seconds to go to half and the Falcons take the 14/7 lead.
Stafford finds Hockenson for a 10-yard reception where he is knocked out of bounds by Neal. Detroit takes a time out. Golladay makes the 18-yard reception under Sheffield zone coverage. From the Falcons 47, the Lions are called for false start and moved back 5 yards to their 47. On 1st and 15, Stafford finds Jones at the 33. They quickly snap and down the ball and with 3 seconds to go, the Lions kick a 50-yard field goal.
At half time – Falcons 14, Lions 10.
The Lions start on their own 14, a handoff to Swift goes for 2 yards. On 2nd down, Jones is standing between Oluokun and Neal for the 16-yard reception. As Stafford is still dropping back, Neal sacks him for a 9-yard loss. He was untouched. On 2nd and 19, Jones almost gets to Stafford, but Swift has the ball and jetting up for 8 yards. on 3rd and 11, the offensive line is holding up well, Stafford finds Golladay for 29 yards and is taken down by Neal. A Swift handoff along the right side, gains 24 yards, but is called back due to offensive holding. From midfield, a first and 20, pass to Swift gains back 13 yards. Peterson gets the call up the middle easily for a first down and few more yards. From the Falcons 29, Peterson goes for a few yards and stopped by Sherrod Neasman. On 2nd and 7, Peterson gains no yards, mainly stopped by Oluokun. Stafford drops back, and UNBLOCKED, Jones come flying at him, Stafford ducks down some and Jones sacks him as he glides over him. The Lions are forced to kick another field goal.
With 7:34 to go in the 3rd quarter, Falcons lead is cut to 1, leading 14/13.
The Falcons start on their own 15, with a Ryan pass to Gage for a 9-yard gain. Gurley gets the first down, but only 2 yards. A fake to Gurley and then passes toward Gurley, just out of reach. Ryan find Jones for a 5-yard gain over the middle. Jones is in the slot, while Ryan is scrambling, he is sacked for a 4-yard loss. Ryan was expecting zone and is on the sideline yelling at people.
After the punt, the Lions will begin at their own 31. An incompletion begins the Lions drive. Stafford finds Amendola for a 3-yard gain, stopped by Isaiah Oliver. The Falcons take a time out. On 3rd and 7, Stafford passes into an empty spot on the field and lets out some bad words too. Two of the Lion receivers were in the same spot, literally running into each other. The Lions punt, Powell calls for a fair catch at the 15, but the ball bounces and stops at the 6.
Gurley runs up the middle for 5 yards. Gurley finds an opening, shoves his way literally through defenders and picks up 13 yards. Ryan drops back and finds Jones just past the first down marker, then Jones pushes for 7 more yards. At the 41, Gurley pushes into a crowd for 2 yards. On 2nd and 8, Ryan drops back and finds Hurst near the first down marker, Hurst stretches it out for the first down. Across midfield, a fake to Gurley and Ryan bounce passes toward Hurst. On 2nd and 10, Ryan zings in a ball to Jones, which looked like an interception, but went just past the hands of the defender into Jones for an 8-yard gain. Another pass to Jones for a first down.
End of the 3rd quarter, Falcons driving with the 14/13 lead.
From the Lions 36, Gurley takes the ball for a few yards, but negated and moved back by a Jaeden Graham holding penalty. First and 10 from the 46, Ryan find a wide-open Jones inside the 20. Stocker is called for a false start and the Falcons move back to the 23. Gurley goes for 9 yards, then is stopped for a loss of 6 yards. On 3rd and 12, Ryan, on the run, finds Ridley headed out of bounds for a gain of 7 yards. At the 13, on 4th and 5, Ryan’s pass to Ito Smith is knocked down before it reaches Smith.
The Lions take over at their own 13. Swift rushes for 3 yards. Stafford drops back and finds Golladay who rips the ball out of Terrell’s hands…both had their hands on the ball. Morris challenges that Golladay made the catch in bounds. The call was not overturned and the Falcons lose their 2nd time out. Stafford is nearly sacked by Neal but makes the completion to Jones at the 49, where he is hard met by Allen. Jones makes the next reception and is tackled by Jarrett at the 45. On 2nd and 4, Peterson goes for 3 yards. On the 3rd and 1, Peterson is shoved back for a loss by rookie Mykal Walker. On 4th and 2, the Lions fake the punt, then he steps up under center to try and pull the Falcons off. The Lions challenge the previous play, that Deion Jones didn’t get off the field in time and the Falcons had 12 men “technically” on the field as Stafford quick snapped. Jones had one foot still on the field, but the officials gave 5 yards to the Lions. On their free first down, the Lions gain a yard. On 2nd and 9, Stafford slings it incomplete to Swift with Fowler in his face. Golladay makes the reception near the first down marker, but is a fourth down as he is stopped short by Sheffield. Matt Prater’s field goal is wide right and the Falcons maintain the lead.
Ryan finds an open Ridley for a first down at the 48. From the 48, Gurley is hit in the backfield for a 3-yard loss. Back at the 45, Ryan delays the handoff to Gurley, who still cannot find an opening, gains back the lost 3 yards. On 3rd down, Ryan fumbles the ball and it is recovered by the Lions. Jake Matthews didn’t hold his block.
Fowler comes off the side and stops Swift for a 6-yard loss. The Swift reception at the line of scrimmage is stopped and Steven Means forces him back 2 more yards. On 3rd and 17, Stafford steps up and then has to pull the ball down and run himself as Oluokun makes the hit. Prater makes the 49-yard field goal and the Lions take back the lead.
With 3:16 to go in the game, the Lions lead 16/14.
Powell brings the kickoff from the 1 to the 24, where a small scruff ensues. Ryan finds Gage for a 6-yard gain, then a first down. Ryan finds Gurley underneath for an 8-yard gain.
Two Minute Warning.
The Falcons have one timeout and the ball at their own 47, needing 2 yards for the first down. Ryan scrambles under pressure, then finds Gage, double covered at the Lions 36. Gage leaped and made a one-handed catch. On first down, Ryan finds Gage near the sideline for another first down at the 21. Gage and Ridley are on the sideline and Ryan hands to Gurley who literally refuses to be stopped, partially hopping on one foot, but moving for an 8-yard gain. Lions call a timeout. With 1:25 to go in the game on 2nd and 2 at the 13, Gurley goes to the left side and gains 1 yard. The Lions call another timeout.
On 3rd and 1 with 1:18 to go in the game, Gurley stutter steps and waits, then busts through a hole and gets the first down. The ball is on the ground, but Gurley rips it quickly back in. Keith Smith and Chris Lindstrom providing the big blocks. Next play, Gurley goes up the middle, flying through defenders and tries to stop himself before going into the end zone, but falls into the end zone. A side-arm throw under pressure to Ridley gives the successful 2-point conversion.
With 1:04 left in the game, the Falcons lead 22 to 16 over the Lions.
From the 25, Stafford lobs the ball up past the first down marker, but the ball and receiver are out of bounds. Second and 10, under pressure, Stafford finds Hockenson near the sideline, he cannot get out of bounds as Terrell is blocking it and Oliver and Oluokon are pulling him down inside. This takes many precious ticks off the clock. Stafford rushes them back to the line to snap and down the ball. With 34 seconds remaining, from the Lions 33, Stafford drops back then sidearm throws up to the Falcons 40. Another snap and downing of the ball. 19 seconds from the Falcons 40, Stafford throws down to the 8-yard line to Golladay. There is a flag on the play. 3 seconds to go. The Lions snap the ball before the Falcons are even set. The catch is under review from the booth. The ruling of the catch stands. Still 3 seconds on the clock. Everyone is lined up and ready as the clock starts. Stafford spikes the ball with 2 seconds remaining. The ball is at the 11. Stafford drops back and finds Hockenson in the end zone escaping coverage of Jones and Oluokon. As time expires, there is a flag on the play. Unsportsmanlike conduct by Amendola moves the Lions back 15 yards. The extra point is attempted from the 30, so a 48-yard extra point attempt. It is good and the Falcons lose again.
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.
Unfortunately, there are at least 4 quarters to play. The Falcons had NO penalties in the first 3 quarters, then 7, costly, penalties in the final quarter of the game for 75 yards. Similar to the Super Bowl year, similar to last week, and similar to many other games we have suffered through over the years, the Falcons can’t play a full 4 quarters of ball. In the Dan Quinn era, the Falcons have blown leads of 25, 20, 17 twice, and 16. For a forever Falcon fan, it is long suffering, but 5 of the 13 biggest leads have been blown in last 5 years. As you know, the 20 and 16 leads are back to back the last two weeks.
Everyone is accountable for their own performance. Whether prep work, education, coaching, play calling, or player execution.
With a 16 point lead late in the fourth quarter, the Falcons ran through three possessions, all of which were 3 and Outs, taking a TOTAL of 2 ½ minutes off the clock. The final possession was 3 ill-fated passes that took 22 seconds, with 2 of their best 3 receivers unavailable. Who didn’t know the ball was only going to Calvin Ridley? Chicago didn’t even have to take a time out at any time to save time for their comeback. Someone needs to have the responsibility to look at clock and the score and make opposing team use their time outs. As a coaching staff, you cannot run a much depleted defense back out on the field after a minute or less off the field. Instead of running time off the clock with the much touted run game, you put the defense back on the field. They have not proven able to stop in clutch situations, they started the game with a depleted staff due to injuries and just lost two more. The running backs were averaging 5.8 yards. Use what is working and eat up the clock. If the Falcons didn’t learn that in 2016, I guess they never will.
As bad as the defense had been in completing a full game especially in clutch situations, what has the offense done with turnovers or short fields?
Against the Bears, Blidi Wreh-Wilson intercepts Mitch Trubisky at the Bears’ 19, Falcons get a field goal. Bears are intercepted in the end zone, 5 plays later the Falcons punt. Bears, 4th and 17, Falcons get the ball and 3 plays later punt.
The Falcons cannot stop a team or score WHEN THEY NEED TO. In both 2-minute drives before halftime, the Falcons failed to get any points. Very conservative play calling to have the offensive weapons that the Falcons have. Everybody knows, the Falcons run on first down, get a few yards, then pass it the rest of the time. EVERYBODY knows that. That was seen in many of the 3 and outs on the day, and certainly near the end of the game.
The defense did seem to communicate and tackle better overall Sunday. On 3rd downs, the defense got off the field more or forced 4th downs that were unsuccessful. But with Ricardo Allen missing, you could see some assignment confusion and lack of leadership on the field. Rookie Mykal Walker stepped in and up to lead the team with 8 tackles, 1 for loss and a QB hit. Keanu Neal also had 8 tackles with 1.5 for loss, Isaiah Oliver and Deion Jones had 7 tackles a piece. Darqueze Dennard had 6 tackles, 2 passes defended and a crucial interception. This week, many defenders were rookie starters and others just off of the practice squad.
The defense gave up a 45-yard run by Trubisky. Oliver got turned around on the easiest wide receiver coverages in the NFL. On a 2nd and 6, the Bears scored a 35-yard touchdown because Oliver cannot make the tackle. He dropped or missed two interceptions. On a 3rd and 8, another explosive play, a 29-yard touchdown to Anthony Miller. The defense nearly gave up a touchdown on the 2nd of the exact same play back to back in the end zone. Jimmy Graham and Miller ran the same route, the first time Oliver was in position and tips the ball, then Neal is in coverage and Miller caught the touchdown, but after review it was determined he didn’t have possession as he hit the ground. Good luck.
Does the defense have the right guys on the team? From the first 3 games it doesn’t look like it. The Falcons have the worst red zone defense in the NFL. In their 12 defenses of/in the red zone, 11 turned into touchdowns and one a field goal.
The offense looked good early as well, Ridley was targeted 13 times and caught 5 for 110 yards, most of those misses were on Ryan, not Ridley. Olamide Zaccheaus had 4 receptions for 41 yards, and returner Brandon Powell stepped in and had 3 catches on 4 targets for 27 yards. Russell Gage went out early after his 2nd reception, totally 26 yards. Brian Hill had a single reception for 22 yards and 9 rushes for 58 yards and that long 35-yard touchdown run. Todd Gurley had 14 carries of 80 yards.
If Gurley cannot go more, then the Falcons need another solution (there are 3 other RBs on the roster), if he can, then use him. The run game started very positive with 144 rushing yards, Gurley was finally making people miss – broke out for 16-yard run and made 2 defenders miss on his touchdown run. Hill definitely made some defenders miss on a couple of nice runs, including his touchdown. If Gurley is supposed to be a weapon as a rushing receiver, Ryan needs to throw to him more than once a game.
It is the little details and focus. On a 3rd and 5, Hill cannot hold onto the football, likely if he caught it, Hill was making a big gain, if not a touchdown. Certainly, it keeps the drive alive. On both 2-minute drives near the end of the half, no points scored and Ryan missed Ridley. Of course, the costly, possibly game winning interception near the end of the game. On a 3rd and goal from the 4, with the Bears in man to man coverage, they brought cover zero and Ryan gets sacked, moving them so far back, they settled for a field goal. This was a nice 12 play drive for 53 yards before half. Ryan may have put up big numbers, but he did not have an overly good game. The 4th quarter begins and Ryan has his pass batted down at the line. The Falcons sideline called a timeout. Back to the 3rd and 7 and Ryan is sacked at the 30. It is 4th and 11. Koo’s 48-yard field goal is wide left. How do you have a time out and still get sacked? Then the Koo miss.
Now declining is the 3rd down offense. The Falcons were 4 for 13 on 3rd down conversions. Anything that did go well last week, was bad again this week. Too many times the Bears were in man coverage and the Falcons made no adjustments. That is on the coaching.
Special Teams didn’t have a complete melt down, but Koo missed and early extra point and a manageable field goal. The Falcons lost by 4 points.
Guys cannot make plays when their number is called, is the defense even staffed correctly? You have to make the play when the play present themselves. Win your one on one match up. Wreh-Wilson, Dennard, Ridley did. Not many others did Sunday.
If the final falls on Quinn…..and the players love him so much…..they should be performing better. Maybe THIS loss is the one that makes the change. They have to be coaching and playing for jobs very soon. The Falcons have not started 0-3 since 2007, the Bobby Petrino era. We all know how that ended.
Overall, to me, the lack of concern by Dan Quinn and Matt Ryan is even more frustrating. “Being close” and just not finishing, that isn’t enough. “Not getting blown out” is not a good response. Your team is allowing huge and disastrous collapses. Until there is a * noting close games or injury riddled teams and you get partial credit for good play. The Falcons are not finishing on either side of the ball.
Good teams find ways to win. I have been a fan since the 1980s and know bad teams and bad direction. There is no reason with the talent that is on this team, that the performance is so bad.
This does not bode well for a primetime trip to Green Bay. Even a non-snowy, quiet Green Bay.
Golden Talon:
Calvin Ridley – The up and coming Julio Jones. Even with no touchdowns this week, opened the game with a 63-yard touchdown. Finished the game with 5 receptions for 110 yards.
Brian Hill – Running and catching and breaking tackles. 58 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, and a touchdown in limited playing time.
Darqueze Dennard – After a rough first couple of games, Dennard was moved to his natural CB position and was aggressive and aware for most of the game. 6 tackles and 2 passes defended.
Dan Quinn joined Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game for the weekly Coach’s Show.
Over the last 2 weeks, it has been tough. This is as challenged as you can get, but lessons are here to be learned.
The coaches are talking to the players about the difference in playing hard vs. playing well. This was not a tale of two halves, but a tale of the 4th. It started with a missed a kick, then 3 and outs and inability to stop the Bears.
Quinn was pleased that the Falcons “Ran the ball better, defense was much improved on 3rd down. Just need “lessons of finishing, can’t miss those.”
A coach knows the team and this locker room is tough enough to get fixed.
With so many defenders and leaders out Sunday, as well as Julio Jones, is it difficult to find experience to compete? How deep you have to dive is a double-edged sword. Many of these players are getting way more playing time than they normally would at this time, so you can see what they can handle. “This will pay dividends in the future. Many may be playing this week.” There is always stuff to learn and gain and grow from in loss.
Asked about the lack of experience, with rookies and practice squad guys coming up, could they have tightness creeping in? Quinn said, “Not really,” players should be making the plays that come your way, You always look back at the throw or tackle or turnover missed. “You don’t get multiple chances – focus issues. Have to close it.”
When you look at last two weeks and try to find root of trouble, how do you break the game down? Quinn replied that they look for the turnover margin – to gain a possession or protect the ball, explosive plays, as those flip the field; then break off and deep dive review those. Last week, they focused on the run game and that was improved. Quinn commented “Always some part that needs to improve.” Yeah, we just need to tweak that one thing to be better.
Quinn noted the team will really work on the 4 minute offense this week.
Do you worry about the psyche of the team? “When you don’t get what you want, emotions come through – angry, upset.” The team has been challenged, and will take the lessons from the L’s and are going to be able to close it. Each game is a different story.
Quinn complimented the offensive line and the run game. Todd Gurley and Brian Hill had successful games. Gurley’s physicality has increased, pushing guys out of the way. Gurley and Hill both run really hard. Hill has really transitioned and worked really hard at his craft, facing adversity but changed his narrative. Calvin Ridley worked really hard in the off season, with Julio in or out, he is taking the next step and being really aggressive.
Darqueze Dennard started at nickel, but with AJ Terrell out, moved out to corner back Sunday. “He is a rare competitor.” Even in practice, he picked off in front of Russell Gage, but then coached him up to tell him how and why he was able to.
Mykal Walker was in for Foye Oluokun. Certainly encouraged, felt his speed and length in man to man coverage. Jaylinn Hawkins making an impact on special teams, but good hitter on defense. Marlon Davidson had his first game and was making some plays and will get better.
Asked about what will happen if Younghoe Koo cannot go this weekend. Quinn said that Sterling Hofrichter can do some kicking. Also have a punter and kicker on the practice squad, “Will see how everyone looks as the week progresses. All of the practice squad guys get good practice during the week so everyone is ready if needed. “
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