Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons score TD on opening-drive first time this season

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run past Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Credit: Phelan M. Ebenhack

Credit: Phelan M. Ebenhack

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run past Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
By
Dec 20, 2015

The Falcons’ offense scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the first time this season against Jacksonville on Sunday.

Running back Devonta Freeman, who had not scored a rushing touchdown in seven games, scored on a 5-yard touchdown run around right end to cap an eight-play, 80-yard drive.

The Falcons rolled out quarterback Matt Ryan twice and he found wide receiver Julio Jones on both plays. Jones has three catches for 44 yards to power the drive. Also, wide receiver Roddy White had a catch over the middle for 16 yards.

The Falcons have scored four field goals on their opening drives this season. They have punted seven times and have committed two turnovers.

GAME —- OPENING DRIVE RESULT

Philadelphia, field goal

New York Giants, punt

Dallas, punt

Houston, punt

Washington, interception

New Orleans Saints, fumble

Tennessee, punt

Tampa Bay, field goal

San Francisco, field goal

Indianapolis, field goal

Minnesota, punt

Tampa Bay, punt

Carolina, punt

Jacksonville, touchdown

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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