The Atlanta Falcons got off to another slow start on offense in Week 3, but this time, there would be no miraculous comeback in the fourth quarter. Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder was sacked seven times in a 20-6 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Here’s our instant analysis of the Falcons offense, defense and special teams following Sunday’s game.
Offense
The Falcons started 1-for-6 on third downs in the first half and they finished 4-for-14 in what was a putrid offensive performance against a banged-up Lions defense. The team came out throwing the football and the results were not pretty. Atlanta attempted 16 passes for 64 yards in the first half, while rushing for just 20 yards on eight attempts.
Pass protection was not good — allowing seven sacks — but quarterback Desmond Ridder didn’t do the team any favors. The second-year QB held onto the ball too long and took a few unnecessary sacks. Ridder finished 21-of-38 for 201 yards and a lost fumble.
Where was Bijan Robinson? The rookie running back received just 10 carries for 33 rushing yards as the offense generated just 183 total yards. Tight end Kyle Pitts led the team with five catches for 41 receiving yards.
Defense
The Falcons secondary struggled early and the team trailed 13-3 at halftime. Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for nearly 200 yards in the first half as Atlanta gave up several big plays. Despite getting a big stop in the red zone and Jessie Bates recording his third interception of the season, the team’s offensive ineptitude made it tough on the defense.
Atlanta’s pass rush did not get the job done despite getting some decent pressure on Goff. The team finished with zero sacks for the game. Bates led the team with 11 tackles and one interception. Linebacker Kaden Elliss finished with 10 tackles, including one TFL. Safety Richie Grant had a decent day aside from a few plays and defensive lineman David Onyemata finished with two of nine QB hits for Atlanta.
Special Teams
Koo hit his first field goal attempt before missing a 47-yard attempt later in the game. The Falcons kicker nailed his third attempt to finish 2-for-3 on the day. Cornerback Mike Hughes returned kicks again with Cordarrelle Patterson sitting this one out. Hughes finished with 27 total yards on two kick returns. Bradley Pinion had a busy day, punting six times for 295 yards.
Falcons Twitter reacts to Sunday's loss
Falcons fans debated play-calling, Desmond Ridder and head coach Arthur Smith on Twitter following Sunday’s loss.
Falcons vs. Lions: Week 3 photo gallery
