The Falcons’ defense got off to a fast start after the bye week, but couldn’t make enough plays to hold back Indianapolis quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
The defense created two turnovers of the Colts’ first two possessions, but could hold late on a key third-down play.
Linebacker Paul Worrilow had an interception and recovered a fumble that was forced by O’Brien Schofield. But the Falcons’ offense which sputtered early and late in the game, didn’t score any points off the turnovers despite starting drives at the Colts’ 34 and their 45.
“We came up short on that end, which is something that you focus so much time on and put so much time into during the week,” Worrilow said. “ That is especially frustrating.”
The defense gave up 17 points, but let the Colts to drive down the field for the game-winning field goal. Hasselbeck found wide receiver Donte Moncrief for a 10-yard game on a key third-and-2 from the Falcons 42.
Vinatieri made a 55-yard field goal to beat the Broncos in their previous game and was clearly in his range after the Moncrief play.
“I thought we did a good job,” Worrilow said. “We got three turnovers, and I think we got a couple good hits on the quarterback on third down. You know that you have to make the plays at the biggest times like that one third down play at the end of the game. That is the one, as a defense, that you definitely have to get off the field on.”
The Falcons fabricated a pass rush by blitzing. They had two sacks and eight quarterbacks hits against the Colts. The Falcons entered the game last in the league with 10 sacks.
“We knew it would be big today, especially in the middle,” defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux said. “We got pressure on them, got them back there a few times, and batted the ball. We were able to force some bad turnovers today, and we did a good job on defense.”
The Falcons, who opened the season 5-0, have fallen back into the back at 6-4, after dropping their third straight game. The Carolina Panthers improved to 10-0 and have a four game lead over the Falcons with six games to play in the NFC South race.
“We are still right in it,” Worrilow said.
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