Falcons 2022 record: 0-2 (T-3rd in NFC South)
Opponent: Los Angeles Rams
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
Final Score: Rams 31 – Falcons 27
Notable Falcons Performances:
QB Marcus Mariota – 17/26 (65%) for 196 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT
WR Drake London – 8 REC for 84 YDS, 1 TD
LB Mykal Walker – 7 tackles, 1 INT
CB AJ Terrell – 9 tackles, 1 pass defense
Notable Rams Performances:
QB Matthew Stafford – 27/36 (75%) for 272 YDS, 3 TD, 2 INT
WR Cooper Kupp – 11 REC for 108 YDS, 2 TDS
TE Tyler Higbee – 7 REC for 71 YDS
LB Ernest Jones – 12 tackles, 1 TFL
CB Cobie Durant – 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT
Next Opponent Preview:
Sunday, September 25 – @ Seattle Seahawks (3:25 pm CDT on FOX; Listen locally WTGZ Tiger 95.9 FM)
Seattle Seahawks 2022 record: 1-1
Previous Opponent – San Francisco 49ers (L, 27-7)
Players to watch: QB Geno Smith, RB Rashaad Penny, WR Tyler Lockett, WR DK Metcalf
Series History: Atlanta trails the series 6-12
Takeways:
The Falcons struggled to score the ball early against a formidable Rams defense who had an enormous chip on their shoulder after getting embarrassed at home the week before against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. The offensive line continues to show that they’re a solid unit after giving up just three sacks against a top-five defensive line. Rookie wide receiver Drake London continues to emerge as a true number one option in the offense as he caught eight passes for 84 yards and his first career touchdown. There are still question marks though, as many are wondering when Kyle Pitts will become more involved. Pitts had just two catches for 19 yards again on a measly three targets this week. With the Falcons struggling in the redzone, you would have liked to see the Falcons use Pitts more in those situations. The defense had a hard time getting stops in the beginning, as the Rams jumped out to 21-3 lead at the half. But they did their part by forcing 3 turnovers including a critical fumble that put the Falcons in the position to potentially win. Special teams also made a big time play with a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. Overall, this game showed that although they got down this team never quit. Up next, the Falcons head to Seattle to face a very beatable Seahawks team with Geno Smith under center.
