Atlanta Falcons began their December play against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens came into the game with more to play for than the Falcons in terms of the playoffs. Both teams on different streaks within their seasons. The Ravens defense dominated this game to get their third straight win and hand Falcons their 4th straight lost, 26-16.
OFFENSE
The offense is going to have to figure out their identity because they have had very disappointing production during this four game losing streak. The Falcons have averaged 17 points, 308 yards and 52 rushing yards in the past four games.
The Falcons only rushed for 34 yards on 15 carries. The receivers also had struggles in this game. Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley had problems keeping the ball in their hands. Both receivers had multiple key drops through out the game.
Matt Ryan and company ended the game with 131 total yards. That is the fewest total yards in a game where Ryan played the full game in his entire career.
The beginning of the game was a tough defensive game and both offenses were quiet. At halftime the score was 10-10 and the Falcons’ only touchdown came from the defensive side of the ball.
The Falcons tried some trickery with receiver, Mohamed Sanu, in the quarterback position for the play. Sanu has completed every similar play in his career with the Falcons and was 6-6 on attempts. In this game, he overthrew Jones on a 3rd & 1 leading to a punt.
DEFENSE
The Falcons biggest story coming into this game was the excitement of the return of linebacker, Deion Jones, after missing 11 games. The defense was doing well by stopping and holding the Ravens offense to field goals most of the game.
The first time Jones’ name was called was negative and a momentum play for the Ravens. After what seemed like another good stop for the defense, Jones was flagged on a face mask call which gave the Ravens a fresh new set of downs. On the next play, Lamar Jackson ran in a touchdown.
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The best play of the game came from Vic Beasley early in the game. The Ravens completed a fake punt and two plays later Jackson fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Beasley who ran it back for a touchdown. The return was 74 yards and gave the Falcons a 3-point lead in the second quarter.
Beasley’s touchdown was the Falcons first defensive touchdown of the season.
NEXT UP
The Falcons are now last in the NFC South and 13th in the conference. The Falcons will visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, December 9th
