Here are five things to know about the Falcons after the first full week of the NFL season:
1. Second or last place: The Falcons (0-1) are in last place in the NFC South with the Panthers (0-1) and Bucs (0-1), after the Saints (1-0) pulled off a dramatic victory over the Texans on Monday Night Football. Former Northgate High and Georgia State kicker Will Lutz made a career-long 58-yard field goal for the victory. Lutz out-shined former Gainesville High and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson's late touchdown drive to put the Texans ahead with 37 seconds left.
2. Quinn is not happy: Falcons coach Dan Quinn addressed the media on Monday after the Falcons' listless performance in Minnesota, which saw them fall behind 28-0 before posting two late touchdowns to make the score look quasi-respectable. In his first game to open the season of calling the defense, his unit let him down and "didn't do what they said they were going to do." Defensive end Takk McKinley was one of the main culprits, who repeatedly didn't maintain outside leverage and lost containment as the Falcons gave up 172 yards rushing.
3. Koetter not happy, either: Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter was not happy with the offense's three turnovers. "You can't turn it over in any game, especially on the road," Koetter said. He did note that the Falcons were on Minnesota's side of the 50-yard line on 7 of 10 offensive possessions.
4. Lindstrom to IR: The Falcons knew that Chris Lindstrom had suffered a fifth metatarsal fracture on Sunday night and knew he was going on injured reserved, according to parties close to Lindstrom. However, the Falcons didn't let the fans know until Quinn's press conference on Monday afternoon. They were already talking to parties about Lindstrom going on IR with the possibility of returning and were comparing the situation to Deion Jones (broken foot) last season when he got injured in the opener and returned to play in the final five games. Jamon Brown will move into the starting lineup and tackle-guard John Wetzel was signed to the 53-man roster.
5. On to the Eagles: The Falcons are set to host the Eagles (1-0) at 8:20 p.m. Sunday night in the home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Eagles lead the regular-season series 17-13-1 and are 3-1 in the postseason against the Falcons. They have won the last three matchups, including a 15-10 win in the divisional round of the playoffs on Jan. 13, 2018. The Eagles went on to beat the Patriots in Super Bowl LII that season.
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