How the Falcons hammered the Texans
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.
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.
