The Falcons jump-started their offense with a couple of big plays in the second half of their 25-20 victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The Falcons trailed 17-13 at halftime and appeared to be in danger of getting swept by the AFC East teams.
After two three-and-outs, quarterback Matt Ryan connected with wide receiver Julio Jones for a 53-yard gain on a deep pass down the middle of the field.
The drive stalled at the 19-yard line. Matt Bryant’s 37-yard field goal cut the Jets’ lead to 17-16.
The Falcons’ defense the held the Jets as Chandler Catanzaro missed a 48-yard field goal, his second miss of the game.
On the Falcons’ next play from scrimmage, Tevin Coleman broke loose for a 52-yard run. Three plays later, the Falcons took the lead when Ryan tossed a 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mohamed Sanu to give the Falcons a 22-17 lead. Sanu made a diving catch on a bullet pass.
The offense had been sputtering about in the rain until Ryan and Jones hooked up.
"It was just a great call by (offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian)," Ryan said. "In that time, understanding that we were getting some lower coverage from their safeties. To have Julio with that coverage with that opportunity, you're excited when you get those chances."
The Falcons have not been connecting on their deep passes, but that didn't stop them from taking a shot against the Jets.
“I just tried to give him the ball where he could make a play,” Ryan said. “He ran a great route and made a great catch. That was huge for us.”
Coleman finished with 82 yards rushing on 14 carries. He had to finish the game as running back Devonta Freeman’s neck and shoulder was receiving medical attention after a missed third-down reception.
The team didn’t announce an injury to Freeman, who rushed 12 times for 41 yards.
Coleman’s big run was key.
“The run came at a critical time,” Ryan said. “To start (a drive) like that and have a (52)-yard run to get us going was huge.”
The Falcons had hoped to perform much better in the red zone, but were 2 of 6 against the Jets.
They also were 5 of 14 (36 percent) on third downs.
The team added extra red-zone and third-down practice periods last week with the hopes of snapping a three-game losing streak, which included losses to AFC East teams Buffalo, Miami and New England.
The Falcons needed the big plays to help them beat back the feisty Jets.
Ryan bobbled four fumbles in the rain before the offense switched to the shot-gun as a mode of operation.
Jones admitted to the offense being inconsistent in the rain. In addition to Ryan’s bobbles, tight end Austin Hooper dropped a touchdown pass in the second quarter.
“We just had to keep going,” Jones said. “They have a great defense over there. Their front seven is amazing. We just kept going at them, just being relentless.”
The Falcons figured something would eventually work.
“We have the players over here to make plays, any given play, and that play (Coleman) broke, was a great play for us,” Jones said.
Jones didn’t want to talk about his 53-yard grab.
“I’m just here to do my job for my brothers,” Jones said. “It’s always good just to go out there to compete with them, alongside those guys.”
About the Author
