Well, it wasn’t pretty, but the job got done. It wasn’t against a powerhouse, but in this league a 
is a (W). Yesterday, the Falcons (0-2) travelled to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Football Giants, in a game where a low score was to be expected. The Falcons came away with their first victory of the season, now (1-2), and handed new Head Coach Arthur Smith his first career win as a head coach in the NFL. After the game QB Matt Ryan handed Smith the game ball.
Now this game wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t until the closing minutes of the first half until the Falcons scored a touchdown that would put them ahead 7-6 going into the break. Ryan connected on a four yard pass to WR Olamide Zaccheaus for the score. That touchdown was the 350th of Ryan’s career, and later in the game threw is second TD of game and 351st to TE Lee Smith. Smith then gave ball to RG Chris Linstrom who spiked the ball in the endzone.
Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees preaches turnovers, and the Ryan to Zaccheaus TD was led up to an CB Isaiah Oliver causing a turnover at the Giants 40 yard line, so the Falcons had a short field to score with 1:02 left in the first half.
Then late in the game with the Falcon’s defense stopping the Giants, game tied at 14, Ryan rallied his players and marched down the field for PK Younghoe Koo 40-yard winning field goal.
This win wasn’t pretty or flashy and the Falcons still sit in the cellar of the NFC South at 1-2, but it’s a good start that the team can build from.
NFC South
-Carolina Panthers: 3-0
-New Orleans Saints: 2-1
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2-1
Atlanta Falcons: 1-2
The season is still young. The Falcons travel back home this week and host the Washington Football Team Sunday, October 3 at 1:00pm est.
Header photo courtesy of Falcons Wire – USA Today
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