The Falcons survived a 27-26 victory over the Washington Redskins that ended with Atlanta rookie Desmond Trufant swatting a potential game-winning 2-point conversion thrown by Redskins quarterback Kirk Couisins. Trufant added his second interception of the season in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta defense forced a season-high seven turnovers. William Moore intercepted Cousins and has now forced a turnover in three consecutive games after causing just two the first eleven.
Atlanta got the win, but the lack of touchdowns out of the receiving corps is a cause for concern. Tony Gonzalez, which has two games left before his retirement, has caught a team-high seven receiving touchdowns this season. Out of the receiving corps, Julio Jones, who has been sidelined since Oct. 7 still is tied for the most receiving touchdowns with two and Drew Davis’ 36-yard touchdown against Green Bay Week 14 is the only touchdown scored by a Falcons receiver in the last four games.
WHERE IT HURTS…
Atlanta ranks eighth in the NFL in first quarter defense (3.6 points allowed), but is last in the second quarter, allowing 11.1 points per game. Last season, the Falcons gave up just 6.4 points per game in the second quarter. On the offensive side of the football, the Falcons are scoring a tenth-best 12.9 points per game in the first half but drop off to 8.9 points per game in the second half (27th in the NFL). The team has been shut out three times in the second and the two scoring drives last week came on a short 2-yard touchdown drive and a 6-yard three-play field goal drive set up by interceptions and returns.
THE STICK….
The Falcons will play their final road game of the season on a Monday night at San Francisco’s legendary Candle Stick Park. January’s NFC Championship and the 34 seasons Atlanta shared with its former division opponent San Francisco in the NFC West (1967-2001) provides historical significance as San Francisco bids farewell to tits 52-year-old stadium. The franchise will unveil the new Levi’s Stadium 40 miles down the road in Santa Clara next year. The 49ers hold a 44-29-1 all time record over Atlanta and will want to send their stadium out with another win. The Falcons will play for payback after last season’s heartbreaking loss.
Loading ...
