After three weeks, it’s tough to know what to make of the 1-2 Atlanta Falcons. Even with one of the easiest schedules in the league, we knew the team’s first few games would be extremely tough. In Week 3, the Falcons had the Kansas City Chiefs on the ropes but were unable to land the knockout blow.
Atlanta needed one yard on fourth down with the game on the line but the Chiefs got the stop in front of the national television audience on Sunday night. There were some positives and negatives throughout the Falcons’ 22-17 loss to Kansas City. Let’s run through the good and the bad in our Week 3 studs and duds:
STUD: Justin Simmons
Simmons not only deserves credit for recording an NFL-record sixth interception of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but the Pro Bowl safety helped prepare his teammates by telling them what to expect against the Chiefs offense. Overall, the defense played well enough to win and Simmons set the tone early by picking off Mahomes in the red zone. It’s a long season and what we’ve seen from Simmons, Jessie Bates and the rest of Atlanta’s secondary is encouraging. Simmons now has 31 career interceptions (six off of Mahomes).
DUD: Falcons' entire offensive line
The Falcons needed a big game from their offensive line to beat the Chiefs and they didn’t get one on Sunday. Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron struggled with pressure and neither did much in the run game. Atlanta suffered two key injuries to right tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman. While the team did a good job calling plays to neutralize the poor offensive line play, you can only hide for so long against a tough defense like that. I know the injuries didn’t help, but this group is too talented to look so inept. Credit Kansas City’s front four for soundly outplaying Atlanta’s offensive line.
STUD: Troy Andersen
Andersen was everywhere on Sunday, leading both teams with 12 total tackles (seven solo). The Falcons defense had a few lapses, but that’s expected against an offense of the Chiefs’ caliber. Andersen and Kaden Elliss have played well off one another through the first three games. Atlanta’s former second-round pick has a nice combination of toughness and athleticism, and both were on display tonight. With Nate Landman on the injured reserve list, it’s good to see Andersen playing up to his potential.
DUD: Referees
There were non-calls in key situations, make-up calls and more evidence that the NFL has trouble officiating Chiefs games. Kyle Pitts was clearly held on what could have been a momentum-shifting touchdown. Overall, the Falcons did not lose because of the referees and they had every chance to win despite any questionable calls. While both teams recorded six penalties, the referee’s inability to get the calls right in the biggest moments is what continues to irk the rest of the NFL. It’s not an easy job, though, and the NFL would be better served to train the officials year-round to improve the quality of the game.
Falcons Twitter reacts to Week 3 loss
Falcons fans displayed a wide range of emotions following Sunday night’s loss. While some were angry at the officials, others blamed Atlanta’s play-calling and a few were happy to see the team show fight against the defending Super Bowl champions. Check out the best of our Falcons Twitter reactions from Week 3.
