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.
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