How the Falcons lost to the Colts, 24-21
A quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 24-21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts before 70,433 fans on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
FIRST QUARTER
Big play: Falcons fullback Pat DiMarco was wide open on a 15-yard pass play. While Matt Ryan was looking at wide receiver Julio Jones, the fans started yelling because no one was defending the wide-open DiMarco. Ryan heard the crowd and found DiMarco.
Turning point: Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, who was off to a strong start, sustained a concussion after being tackled by Colts safety Clayton Geathers. Freeman was declared out for the game. He had three carries for 43 yards, including a 39-yard run around right end.
Takeaway: The Falcons had three trips across the 50, but scored only once. They had a field goal hit the upright and Ryan was intercepted by Colts safety Dwight Lowery after a high pass was tipped by Roddy White.
Score: Falcons 7, Colts 0.
SECOND QUARTER
Big play: On third-and-1 from the 1 and the Falcons looking at attempting another field goal if unsuccessful, DiMarco bailed them out with a touchdown catch in the flat for his second score of the game.
Turning point: The Falcons' second-touchdown drive was powered by Jones. On second-and-10 from the Falcons' 17, Jones got open deep up the left sideline for a 36-yard gain. Later, on second-and-7 from the Colts' 44, Jones ran a deep inside route and gained 29 yards.
Takeaway: The Falcons are going to miss Freeman. Rookies Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward took over at running back for the Falcons and the rushing game was stymied.
Score: Falcons 14, Colts 7.
THIRD QUARTER
Big play: On first-and-10 from the Falcons' 33, Jones shook free for a 28-yard gain.
Turning point: Turnovers continue to slow the offense. Falcons running back Tevin Coleman fumbled on the final play of the third quarter to set up the Colts at the Falcons' 21.
Takeaway: The Falcons couldn't widen their 14-point lead and let the Colts stay in the game with 10-play, 90-yard drive that took 4:58 off the clock.
Score: Falcons 21, Colts 14.
FOURTH QUARTER
Big play: Free safety Ricardo Allen bailed out Coleman with a interception of Matt Hasselbeck at Atlanta's 2.
Turning point: After Colts receiver Donte Moncrief downed a punt at the Falcons' 1, Ryan's pass intended for a tightly covered tight end Jacob Tamme was intercepted by Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson who returned it for a touchdown. The Colts also drove it on the the Falcons when it mattered, resulting in the winning Adam Vinatieri field goal.
Takeaway: Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan may have been correct. Turnovers are what's killing the Falcons' offense.
Score: Colts 24, Falcons 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.
