Another week, another heartbreaking Falcons loss.
This should feel better. The Falcons put a lot of good stuff on tape, including another big game from Drake London, a massive game from the Falcons’ pass rush, and a bit of a resurgence from the Falcons’ run game in a losing effort.
Despite that, we are tasked to look at the bright side here, so here is this week’s highlight reel for the Atlanta Falcons as they fall to the Indianapolis Colts in overtime.
Dee Alford gets key PBU to stifle Colts’ opening drive
The Colts were 15-of-17 on 4th down heading into
today’s game. The Falcons made sure that was 15-of-18 to start the game.
After the Colts drove down the field with relative ease, Dee Alford made a huge play to keep the ball out of the end zone and back into the hands of the Falcons offense.
Jessie Bates also had two great plays on the opening drive: Causing a fumble that was recovered by a Colts offensive lineman and creating the fourth-down opportunity with great coverage in the middle of the field on tight end Tyler Warren.
Drake London gets the drive going with 30-yard explosive
With the Sauce Gardner trade, that became the marquee matchup heading into this game. Drake London made sure that Gardner and this Colts secondary knew from the get-go that he was not trapped in this game with them; they are locked in for 60 minutes with him.
London beats the Colts’ defense on a deep crosser for a massive 30-yard pass to get the Falcons drive, directly after the strip-sack, going.
Tyler Allgeier gives the Falcons the lead
Allgeier caps off the six-play, 81-yard drive with two physical runs in the red zone, including a 1-yard, walk-in touchdown to give the Falcons the early 7-6 lead. (Thank you, Zane Gonzalez for converting the extra point).
The Falcons are showing some good things early as the Falcons take an early lead, due to…kicking woes from the Colts? Listen, it’s nice to be on the other side of those challenges for a change this season.
Drake London stays hot to retake the lead
Four receptions, 72 yards, and another touchdown, making it four for Drake London in the last two weeks. London has been on a heater and has been one of the only reasons this Falcons offense has had teeth over the past two games.
A heck of a route from London, and a heck of a playcall to get him lined up on a linebacker and clearing out cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Penix when targeting London up until this point:
- 4-of-4 for 72 yards and a touchdown
Penix targeting anybody not named Drake London:
- 3-for-6 for 27 yards
Jessie Bates gets interception to secure lead going into halftime
Jessie Bates has been inches away from making a massive play on this Colts offense all first half, and he finally gets his paws on the football after Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce aren’t on the same page on a deep crossing route.
This not turning into an opportunity for points is a travesty, and Raheem Morris, you will be tried for your crimes.
First-Round pass-rush duo strikes again to stifle promising Colts drive
Last week, the turning point for the Falcons was Jalon Walker and James Pearce, Jr. combining for a strip-sack and recovery to put the Atlanta offense into the red zone. This week, the chaotic duo met up at the quarterback again. This time, the roles were reversed as Pearce, Jr. got his first full sack of the season, and Walker picked it up to give Penix and company great field position.
JD Bertrand stuffs Colts’ 4th-down attempt
Listen, there is plenty to get upset about when it comes to JD Bertrand, but right here, we will give him his flowers.
JD Bertrand comes up with a huge stop against the Colts to stifle a 14-play drive that had gotten all the way to the Atlanta 5-yard line.
Thank you, Captain America. Your service is appreciated.
Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson team up to give the Falcons the late lead
The Falcons go down the field in nine plays, gaining 71 yards, and take the lead with under two minutes to go in the game. Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson combine for 36 yards on six of those runs, including the 1-yard sealer to put the Falcons up.
A beautiful route from Drake London makes this a three-point lead, and the Colts have only a timeout and limited time to pull off the game-tying field goal.
Honorable Mentions
- Brandon Dorlus, Pearce, Jr., Arnold Ebiketie, Zach Harrison, Kaden Elliss, Jalon Walker, and Ronnie Harrison, Jr. combined to give the Falcons their 16th game with 7 or more sacks. This is the first time they’ve lost one of these games since 2003.
- Xavier Watts finished this game with 11 combined tackles, the first time a Falcons rookie safety has had double-digit tackles since Keanu Neal in 2016.
- Drake London continues his dominance, recording another 100-yard game (104) while hauling in six of his eight targets.
- Tyler Allgeier found paydirt twice, the second time that he’s had a two-touchdown game in his short career as a Falcon.
