Here’s a quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 23-17 victory over the Washington Redskins in their exhibition season opener on Thursday at the Georgia Dome.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: Washington tight end Vernon Davis, a former Pro Bowler, got behind the Falcons' secondary and dropped a touchdown pass from Colt McCoy in the end zone.
Turning point: Washington punter Dustin Hopkins hit a 54-yard punt that was downed at Atlanta's 3 yard line. The Falcons started their opening drive at the 2-yard line after an illegal block penalty was assessed.
The takeaway: The Falcons' pass rush had a hurry from Vic Beasley and defensive end Adrian Clayborn had a quarterback hit. There were no sacks in the first quarter.
Score: Redskins 3, Falcons 0
SECOND QUARTER
Big plays: Backup quarterback Matt Schaub tossed a nice deep pass to wide receiver Aldrick Robinson for a 47-yard gain and later came back with a 68-yard bomb to Robinson. The Falcons had to settle for a field goal after the first big play, but added a Brandon Wilds 1-yard touchdown run after the second big-play.
Turning point: The Falcons settled for a 24-yard Matt Bryant field goal after right tackle Ryan Schraeder was called for offsides and running back Devonta Freeman, normally a reliable pass catcher, dropped a pass in the end zone.
The takeaway: Schaub still has a nice arm. His 68-yard completion to Robinson traveled 54-yards in the air.
Score: Falcons 10, Redskins 3.
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: Wide receiver J.D. McKissic hit a seam at full speed to the right side and returned the second half kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown. The speedy McKissic played at Arkansas State. He flipped into the endzone. Nick Rose's extra point kick put the Falcons up 20-3.
Turning point: After the defense held the Redskins, Rose made a 36-yard field goal to put the Falcons up 23-3. The Redskins added a 1-yard touchdown run by Robert Kelley to cut into the Falcons lead, 23-10.
The takeaway: Rookie tight end Austin Hooper was open on a route but quarterback Sean Renfree's pass was slightly overthrown. It would have been nice to see Hooper dive to catch the pass.
Score: Falcons 23, Redskins 10
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: With the Falcons trying to cut down on their turnovers this season, Wilds fumbled. Washington's Geno Matias-Smith recovered the fumble.
Turning point: The Redskins converted the fumble and the short-field into a 34-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld tossed a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Marcel Jensen to cut into the Falcons lead.
The takeaway: Matt Simms, who's listed fourth on the depth chart, received some action.
Score: Falcons 23, Redskins 17
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