Photos: Falcons topple heavily favored 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Sports

The host Falcons, behind quarterback Marcus Mariota and an opportunistic defense, defeated the 49ers 28-14 on Sunday.

Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota celebrates after Atlanta defeated the 49ers 28-14 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins (32) celebrates with cornerback A.J. Terrell after Hawkins scored during the first quarter Sunday in Atlanta against the 49ers. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) reacts with tight end Kyle Pitts after Pitts scored a touchdown during the third quarter against the 49ers on Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the 49ers on Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons teammates celebrate with quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) after he scored a touchdown against the 49ers on Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota crosses the goal line against the 49ers on Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota celebrates with fans after Atlanta defeated the 49ers 28-14 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

A Falcons fan cheers for her team Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons owner Arthur Blank watches his team before the game Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen warms up before Sunday's game in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen stretches before Sunday's game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) and tight end Feleipe Franks run through a drill Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts gets loose before Atlanta played the 49ers on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before Sunday's home game against the 49ers. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons coach Arthur Smith relaxes before his team played the 49ers on Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

A Falcons fan reacts after the team scored a touchdown during the third quarter against the 49ers on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham tries to stop 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo during the third quarter Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons players celebrate after they stopped the 49ers during the third quarter Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

49ers tight end Charlie Woerner cannot catch the ball while being pressured by Falcons safety Richie Grant during the third quarter Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier looks for room during the second quarter against the 49ers on Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota runs for a first down during the third quarter against the 49ers on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons coach Arthur Smith reacts after a play during the second quarter against the 49ers on Sunday. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell recovers a fumble against the 49ers on Sunday in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

1 / 24

Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota celebrates after Atlanta defeated the 49ers 28-14 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com)

Today’s Gallery Headlines

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

PHOTOS: School starts for Decatur students

Students across Decatur and Henry County started school on Thursday. The majority of metro schools will begin their school year Monday.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

PHOTOS: Georgia State hits field for opening practice

High temperatures can’t slow energy at Georgia State’s opening practice. The Panthers have plenty of new players on the team this season.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

PHOTOS: Georgia Bulldogs hold first fall football practice July 31

The Georgia Bulldogs held their first fall practice of the football season on Thursday, July 31.

PHOTOS: New Fulton school prepares for school year

Briar Hills Elementary School is a new school in Fulton County. It was built to replace Conley Hills Elementary near Woodland Middle School in East Point.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

PHOTOS: Georgia Tech holds first day of practice

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets held their first football practice of the fall season on Tuesday, July 29. The season opener vs. Colorado is exactly one month away.

Credit: Courtesy of Centennial Yards

PHOTOS: The Mitchell apartments at Centennial Yards

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Photos: Buford football unveils new Phillip Beard Stadium

Buford High School's Phillip Beard Stadium, named in honor of the longtime chairman of the Buford Board of Education, seats more than 10,000 people.

Credit: Courtesy of Gas South District