A quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 48-21 victory against the Houston Texans on Sunday at the Georgia Dome. For the fourth time in franchise history, the Falcons have opened the season with a 4-0 record.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux intercepted a pass that was tipped by linebacker Paul Worrilow.
Turning point: The Falcons turned Babineaux's interception into a touchdown. Quarterback Matt Ryan directed the Falcons on an eight-play, 54-yard touchdown drive. Running back Devonta Freeman scored on a 16-yard run. It was the Falcons' fourth touchdown off five turnovers this season.
The takeaway: Tackling is important. The Falcons, who have been trying to eradicate their missed tackles, came out with some strong tackling. Linebacker Brooks Reed had a tough stop. On third-and-11 from Houston's 30, safety William Moore dropped running back Chris Polk after a 5-yard gain.
Score: Falcons 7, Texans 0.
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: With the Falcons ahead 14-0, they received a gift touchdown from the Texans. Arian Foster collided with Houston right tackle Derek Newton and fumbled. Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant scooped the ball and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown.
Turning point: On second-and-10 from the Falcons' 44, the Texans didn't cover Devonta Freeman out of the backfield. Ryan found him for a 44-yard gain. Three plays later, Ryan tossed a short touchdown pass to Leonard Hankerson to make it 28-0.
The takeaway: The ground game is much improved. Freeman's 23-yard touchdown run to put the Falcons up 14-0 was his sixth of the season. Steven Jackson led the Falcons with six touchdowns last season.
Score: Falcons 28, Texans 0.
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: On third-and-3 from the Falcons' 39, Ryan found Hankerson on a slant route. He hit him in stride and Hankerson darted through the middle of Houston's defense for a 55-yard gain. Also, rookie Terron Ward scored the first touchdown of his NFL career.
Turning point: After the big play by Hankerson, Freeman scored on a 6-yard run for his third touchdown of the game and seventh of the season.
The takeaway: The offensive line did a good job on Houston defensive end J.J. Watt. He made his share of plays, but hasn't been able to take over the game.
Score: Falcons 42, Texans 0.
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Linebacker Nate Stupar's 84-yard fumble recovery, which was returned for a touchdown on the final play from scrimmage. Allen Bradford caused the fumble.
Turning point: The Texans yanked starter Ryan Mallett in favor of Brian Hoyer. With most of the starters on the bench, the Falcons reserves gave up three touchdowns.
The takeaway: The Texans starters are better than the Falcons' backups. The Falcons pulled most of their starters after going up 42-0.
Score: Falcons 48, Texans 21.
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