No Julio Jones, no problem.
The Falcons made a slew of big plays as they routed the Los Angeles Rams 42-14 before 82,495 disgruntled fans at the historic Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.
With the All-Pro Jones (turf toe) and starter Mohamed Sanu (groin) out, the receiving corps stepped up, defensive end Vic Beasley dominated with three sacks and a touchdown, and linebacker Deion Jones added a touchdown as this one got out of control and was interrupted twice by fans running onto the field.
Quarterback Matt Ryan played three quarters and completed 18 of 28 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns. Matt Schaub came on in the fourth quarter to close out the game as the Falcons improved to 8-5, and the Rams dropped to 4-9. Tampa Bay defeated the New Orleans Saints to improve to 8-5 and stay tied with the Falcons for first place in the NFC South.
If both teams win-out, the Falcons hold the tiebreaker and would claim the division title.
About two hours before kickoff, Julio Jones stretched and went through a light workout before coach Dan Quinn decided that he was out for the game.
Here are the five things we learned in the rout:
1. Fast start. It didn't take long for the Falcons to establish the upper hand in this one. Rams returner Michael Williams fumbled the opening kickoff and linebacker Paul Worrilow recovered at the 3-yard line.
On the next play, Ryan tossed a touchdown pass to wide receiver Justin Hardy.
On defense, the Falcons have struggled with their opening drives. The Rams drove to the Falcons’ 16. On third-and-3, Rams quarterback Jared Goff’s pass intended for wide receiver Kenny Britt was intercepted by free safety Ricardo Allen.
The Falcons’ defense had allowed a touchdown drive on the opening drive of the previous six games. So, a turnover, a touchdown and a stop was a great way to start for the Falcons.
“I think our defense is making great strides and moving in the right direction,” Beasley said. “I think players are stepping up, even myself, I’m making great strides.”
The Falcons went on to build a 21-0 halftime lead and then opened a 42-0 lead in the third quarter. The Rams scored a couple of garbage-time touchdowns in the fourth quarter for the final margin.
2. Offense diversified. With Jones not playing, Ryan had completions to eight different receivers.
The Falcons operated mostly out of three-wide receiver formations with Taylor Gabriel, Hardy and Aldrick Robinson getting most of the playing time.
With Jones (72 catches for 1,253 yards) and Sanu (49 for 521) not playing, the Falcons were without 42 percent of their receptions and 47 percent of their passing yards. Jones (five touchdowns) and Sanu (three) also accounted for 30 percent of Ryan’s touchdown passes.
Gabriel and Hardy started, while Robinson and Nick Williams also played. Williams left the game with a concussion in the third quarter and was in the league’s concussion protocol program.
In addition to Hardy’s touchdown, Gabriel scored on 64-yard pass play to make it 28-0 in the third quarter.
“It was a coverage that we were looking for all game,” Gabriel said. “(Offensive coordinator) Kyle (Shanahan) drew it up and we executed it. You have to give credit to the offensive line and Matt for throwing the perfect ball.”
Against the Rams’ stout defense, the Falcons’ rushing attack didn’t get rolling.
Running back Tevin Coleman finished with two rushing touchdowns as he had eight rushes for 36 yards. Devonta Freeman was held to six yards on six carries.
“LA has one of the best defenses in the league, specifically the front four,” Ryan said. “They are tough to go against and they made it difficult for us.”
3. Beasley put on a show. Beasley had three sacks as he terrorized Goff, who was the No. 1 player taken in the 2016 NFL draft.
“He had a terrific game,” Quinn said. “A lot of that comes from his belief and the work that he puts in at practice. He looks great on his get-off and that’s where his game starts.”
In the third quarter, Beasley knocked the ball from Goff and caught it on a bounce, and then scored from 21 yards out to make it 42-0.
Beasley’s touchdown was the second by the defense. Earlier, linebacker Deion Jones intercepted a Goff pass and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-0.
The defense didn’t give up a score until Rams running back Todd Gurley scored in the fourth quarter.
4. Turnover battle a no-contest. The Falcons won the turnover battle. Beasley, Worrilow and defensive tackle Courtney Upshaw all had fumble recoveries, and Deion Jones and Allen had interceptions.
5. More injuries. Cornerback Jalen Collins (knee), safety Kemal Ishmael (shoulder) and Williams (concussion) left the game and did not return. Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (ribs) left the game but later returned.
The Falcons are hoping to get defensive end Adrian Clayborn (knee) back soon. Also, Julio Jones and Sanu could be available when the Falcons host the San Francisco 49ers at 4:05 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
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