Falcons 2023 Record: 2-1 (2nd in NFC South)
Opponent: Detroit Lions
Location: Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
Final: Lions (20) – Falcons (6)
Notable Falcons Performances:
TE Kyle Pitts – 5 REC for 41 YDs
TE Jonnu Smith – 5 REC for 37 YDs
FS Jessie Bates – 11 tackles; 1 INT
LB Kaden Elliss – 10 tackles; 1 TFL
Notable Lions Performances:
QB Jared Goff – 22/33 (66.6%) for 243 YDs, 1 TD, 1 INT; 1 rush TD
TE Sam LaPorta – 8 REC for 84 YDs, 1 TD
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown – 9 REC for 102 YDs
S Brian Branch – 11 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 passes defended
EDGE Aiden Hutchinson – 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 TFL, 2 passes defended, 1 QB hit
Takeaways:
The offense did not show up to this game whatsoever. The Lions loaded the box on defense, effectively shutting down the Falcons high-octane run game, and forced them into passing situations. The offensive line struggled to protect Desmond Ridder, allowing SEVEN sacks to a Lions defensive line that had only tallied one sack through the first two games of the season. Questions still loom with play calling and route concepts when it comes to Arthur Smith, but there’s plenty of time to get that resolved. This was easily the worst performance to date for Desmond Ridder under center. He never looked comfortable in this game, and his pocket presence and accuracy showed it. The defense played well for another week outside of a blow coverage that allowed a Sam LaPorta touchdown. There is still a major lacking in the pass rush, as the Falcons just don’t have a guy on the edge that can win his matchup on a consistent basis. The Falcons have an opportunity to get back on track as they travel to London to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who just suffered an embarrassing loss to the Houston Texans.
