The Atlanta Falcons finally won a home game, and they did it the only way they know how, by giving you a heart attack.
Here are the Week 7 snap reactions.
National Tight Ends Day
Tommy Rees celebrated the occasion by getting his tight ends involved; every one on the active roster finished the game with at least one catch. Kyle Pitts led the way, scoring another touchdown and marking three straight games with at least one. Nick
Muse came in with one career catch and left with two and a touchdown, and Austin Hooper and Charlie Woerner got active to the tune of 3 receptions for 30 yards. We’ve been waiting for Rees to lean on his tight ends more, and we were rewarded. Every day should be Tight Ends Day for this offense.
Defense holds off the comeback
The 49ers moved the ball well in the second half, but two critical defensive stops saved the day. With their backs up against their own end zone, the Falcons prevented the 49ers from scoring and sacked Brock Purdy on 4th down. Later, after the Falcons offense went three-and-out again, rookie LB Kendal Daniels turned the tide with a sensational interception, shutting down the 49ers comeback hopes.
He later scooped up a fumble caused by Jessie Bates III, officially ending the game. The defense forced four turnovers today, and that was the difference. It wasn’t always pretty, but the defense got it done when it mattered most.
Special Teams still killing the team
The opening return from Branch was great to see, but I think I speak for everyone when I say it’s getting exhausting watching this unit play bad football. Teams are almost guaranteed to start with the ball on the 35, and after having little issue on the punt team, Jake Bailey shanked a punt at the worst possible moment. Nick Folk missing an extra point attempt was the cherry on top. Luckily, the offense and defense carried the load today, but this unit keeps making costly mistakes week in and week out.
Michael Penix Jr. is growing
In back-to-back weeks, Penix has thrown three touchdowns and zero interceptions; this was the third such game of his career, and the first in a win. Growth isn’t linear, and while the quarterback would like a few throws back, that’s how every quarterback feels at the end of the game. The young quarterback is looking more comfortable week to week, and while his mobility will never be elite, he looked a tad more limber today, and I expect that to continue as he gets further away from the knee injury.
The offense can’t stall out during the middle of the fourth, but it is nice that the QB wasn’t the main reason for those negative series.
The Falcons are now 3-4; their season is far from over, and the NFC South is still wide open. Atlanta needed to prove they could finish, and with this win under their belt, they proved they could do it. Enjoy the win!
