A quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 23-17 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars before 64,016 fans on Sunday at EverBank Field. The victory snapped a six-game losing streak.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: Falcons running Devonta Freeman took a big hit from Jaguars linebacker Paul Posluszny, but had the presence of mind to stick the ball out and hit the pylon to score on a 5-yard touchdown run. Freeman had not scored a rushing touchdown in seven games. He capped an eight-play, 80-yard drive.
Turning point: After crossing into Jacksonville territory, running back Tevin Coleman picked up three yards and then quarterback Matt Ryan connected with Julio Jones for gains of 23 yards and 14 yards to move to Jacksonville's 8. The Falcons attacked with Ryan on the run on bootlegs.
Takeaway: The Falcons' offense scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the first time this season. Jones had 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.
Score: Falcons 7, Jaguars 0.
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: With Jacksonville on the move and looking to score before halftime, Falcons safety Kemal Ishmael intercepted a pass in the end zone and returned it 84 yards to the 16. With two seconds left, the Falcons had time to kick a field goal.
Turning point: Wide receiver Julio Jones scored on an 11-yard touchdown pass to give the Falcons a 14-3 lead. It was his first touchdown since scoring against Tampa Bay on Nov. 1. He went five games without a touchdown.
Takeaway: The Falcons were determined to run the ball against the Jaguars. In the second quarter, Freeman had eight carries for 40 yards and Coleman had three carries for 20 yards as the Falcons dominated the time of possession.
Score: Falcons 17, Jaguars 3.
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: On third down-and-goal from the 4, Falcons linebacker O'Brien Schofield was called for a questionable pass interference to give the Jaguars their first third down conversion of the game. Bortles scored on a 1-yard run on the next play.
Turning point: On first-and-10 from their 38, Ryan's pass was tipped by Jaguars defensive linemen Jared Odrick and Posluszny intercepted. It was Ryan's 15th interception of the season.
Takeaway: This time the turnover wasn't Ryan's fault, but it allowed the Jaguars to tie the game after a 10-yard touchdown pass to Allen Robinson.
Score: Falcons 17, Jaguars 17.
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Penalties by tight end Jacob Tamme and left guard Andy Levitre — both had a block in the back — on a key screen pass that could have wrapped up the game. Instead of first and goal, the Falcons were pushed back and had to settle for a 46-yard field goal by Shayne Graham.
Turning point: Cornerback Desmond Trufant tried to return a fumble for a touchdown, but he couldn't hang onto the ball and Jacksonville recovered.
Takeaway: The Falcons started the game strong and finished it strong.
Score: Falcons 23, Jaguars 17.
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