A quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 31-24 victory over Tennessee on Friday night at the Georgia Dome.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: On the second play of the game, Matt Ryan, after a play-action fake, found wide receiver Julio Jones open over the middle. Jones nearly broke free for a touchdown, but stumbled after a 26-yard gain.
Turning point: Lightning-quick linebacker Justin Durant sniffed out a screen play and baited rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota. Once the pass left Mariota's hand, Durant swooped in for the interception and returned it 21 yards.
The takeaway: The offense need to work on the rushing attack.The defense created two turnovers and flashed a pass rush against a rookie quarterback making his NFL debut.
Score: Falcons 17, Titans 0
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: The Falcons elected to go for a fourth-and-1 after getting a 5-yard penalty with 3:17 left. Backup quarterback T.J. Yates found wide receiver Nick Williams for an 8-yard gain to keep the drive alive.
Turning point: After giving up two touchdowns, the second-team defense made an interception to slow down the Titans. Rookie cornerback Jalen Collins, who'd given up a touchdown pass earlier, tipped a Zach Mettenberger pass that was intended for Josh Stewart. Robenson Therezie came over from safety and made the interception.
The takeaway: Yates settled down and started to move the ball after a shaky start that included some errant passes. He drove the second-unit 80 yards over 11 plays for a touchdown. Antone Smith capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Halftime score: Falcons 24, Titans 13
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: Titans running back Antonio Andrews scored on 1-yard run to make the score 24-19, then added a two-point conversion run to move the Titans within a field goal.
Turning point: After giving up a long drive, the defense needed a break. But center Peter Konz sailed a shotgun snap over Yates' head on third down. Yates recovered it for a loss of 20 yards, and the Falcons were forced to punt.
The takeaway: The Falcons must continue to develop depth on defense. The reserves were pushed around as the Titans put together two long drives. Mettenberger opened with a 13-play, 89-yard touchdown drive that took 7:19 off the clock to open the quarter. Then Charlie Whitehurst led a 10-play, 44-yard drive that ended with a field goal.
Score: Falcons 24, Titans 24
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Third-string quarterback Sean Renfree converted a third-and-10 from Tennessee's 38 to keep a 16-play touchdown drive alive. He completed a pass to Marquez Clark for a 13-yard gain.
Turning point: With the score tied, Renfree directed the offense on a 16-play, 86-yard touchdown drive that took 7:41 off the clock. Running back Michael Ford sored on a 2-yard run to put the Falcons up 31-24.
The takeaway: Renfree may have leaped ahead of T.J. Yates in the backup quarterback derby.
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