The Falcons held off the Detroit Lions, 20-16, on Sunday, giving Atlanta its first home win of the season and keeping the team's playoff hopes, while minuscule, alive.
Here are five observations from the game that push Atlanta to 7-8 on the season:
Give Ryan time and he will shine
The Atlanta Falcons' offensive line got off to a slow start by allowing three sacks on the first drive on offense. But as the game progressed, they were able to slow down that vaunted Lions pass-rush. There was a play in the fourth quarter that really encapsulated what Ryan was able to do even when he was under pressure. It was third-and-5 yards to go, and the ball was on the 31-yard line of the Lions. Matt Hennessy was almost instantly beat off the ball, and it seemed like the end result was going to be another sack given up by the offensive line. Ryan made the decision that that wasn't going to happen, so he stepped up in the pocket and found the rookie tight end, Kyle Pitts, for a first down. Instead of ending with going for a field goal, Ryan was able to connect with Hayden Hurst for a touchdown to close out the drive.
Sneaky good play-calling performance
Arthur Smith was able to set up the Detroit defense. In short-yardage situations early on, Smith decided to roll with quarterback sneaks to try to get a first down. And when a similar situation presented itself later in the game, Smith called a outside run and caught the defense off guard.
Special teams caught slipping
The Detroit Lions ran a fake punt. Jack Fox completed a pass to KhaDarel Hodge for 21 yards to give them the first down. The Lions were able to cash in on the gamble for a touchdown. Gunslinger Tim Boyle completed a 20-yard pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown to put Detroit up, 10-7. A team like the Lions is always willing to take chances in certain situations because they have nothing to lose at this point.
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Younghoe is Koo as a fan
Koo has been one of the more consistent players to put on a Falcons uniform in 2021. He was able to nail a 53-yard field goal to tie the game up going into halftime. Also, he was money from 48 yards out to give the Falcons the lead in the third quarter.
The defense closed it out
The Falcons defense had been playing bend, but don't break throughout the entire contest. For a unit that has gone through its fair share of ups and downs, they were called upon to close the game out due to a Russell Gage fumble with 2:28 to go in the game. Foye Oluokon intercepted a Tim Boyle pass on the 1-yard line to close out the game. Interestingly enough, the play was made by a guy who will be a free agent in the offseason.
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