The Atlanta Falcons suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Detroit Lions by a final score of 20-6. The final score does not properly demonstrate how dominant the Lions were in this contest. The Falcons were manhandled at the point of attack, allowing seven sacks and 11 quarterback pressures. Desmond Ridder was forced to throw the ball into traffic and while evading pressure nearly the entire contest.
The magical 2-0 start every fan dreamed of is now replaced by a sour taste as the team leaves Detroit to prepare for a game in London vs Jacksonville. The team was never able to establish a rhythm on offense and rookie sensation Bijan Robinson was nearly completely held in check. Premier pass-catchers Drake London and Kyle Pitts also were quiet in this contest. 44 total yards rushing is the antithesis of the game plan that lead to success in the first two games of the year.
Dukes & Bell took the air on Monday and did not hold back on their feelings about how the team performed in this contest
“This was a complete crap show. That’s what it was. A complete crap show. I have not seen this team respond (this way) under Arthur Smith and the coaching staff. And maybe they didn’t respond, Mike. At halftime I said it, leave the offensive line in the locker room, they’re not blocking anybody!” Carl Dukes exclaimed.
A win overseas against a projected playoff team in the Jaguars next weekend will go a long way in healing the wounds this game caused.
No one expected this team to go 17-0, but getting worked on both sides of the ball for the entire game did not seem in the cards either after the team’s hot start.
