The good, bad, of Falcons week ONE win

RB Bijan Robinson scores first touchdown of year for Falcons, first of his career/Associated Press, KXAN

The last time the Falcons (1-0) won on opening week was back in 2017 when they defeated the Chicago Bears 23-17. This year there are so many different faces on offense and defense one might have to look at the roster just to see who is on the team. I still have to say I don’t believe all the hype surrounding this team until they play at least six games.

The Good

Well, they didn’t lose which is a positive since it’s been a while they put up a W on opening week. The game started out slow for both the Falcons and Panthers (0-1). Both teams traded a couple three and outs until the Falcons got on the board first. From the 11-yard line, QB Desmond Ridder threw a quick bubble screen to Robinson as Robinson made Panthers #49 look bad as he juked a move around him for the score.

.@Bijan5Robinson's first NFL game was one to remember 👏 pic.twitter.com/s0aenq55zJ
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2023

Falcons scored three touchdowns on the day all by way of the running backs. Tyler Algeier had two rushing and Robinson had one receiving, and at the end of the game both running backs combined to rush for 131 yards. Offensive line still remains tops in the league in rushing. Last year they ended the season ranked third best and this year has started the same, opening lanes for the running backs. Kicker Younghoe Koo added a field goal to complete the score. Ridder, starting his fifth game of his young career only threw for 115 yards on 15-18 passes. Ridder completed 83% of his passes which was best of the league in week one. Ridder doesn’t have to be great, just manage the game and let his star players take over. His time will come when he connects with receiver Drake London and Tight End Kyle Pitts.

The defense was stout at best and gave Young fits all day. Newcomer via free agency from the Bengals, strong safety Jessie Bates III had two interceptions and one forced fumble that the Falcons recovered. Now the only issue I see is it is early and the Falcons defense usually has a few good defensive games. Again, after week six will be a good tale of how this defense will perform the rest of the season.

SS Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates a forced fumble/ BVM Sports

The Bad

The offensive line pass rush still is an issue for the Falcons. They just couldn’t give Ridder a pocket to throw in or even the ability for Ridder to scramble to search his reads for an open target. If the ball wasn’t out of Ridder’s hands in three seconds he was done either a sack, throw away, or incomplete pass.

Penalties still haunt this team. They committed a combined 6 penalties for 43 yards. One big play by Robinson that would have gained 14 yards and a first down resulted in in a 10 yard loss and third down. Falcons ended up having to punt.

Falcons injuries and more

Bates left late in the game with a leg injury but returned the next defensive series. Cordarrelle Patterson didn’t play due to thigh injury but is back at practice and expected to play this week. Cornerback Jeff Okudah, with a foot injury during training camp, also didn’t play but is back at practice. Troy Andersen came in the training facility early this week and wasn’t feeling well. Team placed him concussion protocol, but has since been removed. Status unclear for Sunday.

Falcons’ create new position

When the Falcons began releasing their depth charts, Head Coach Arthur Smith had created a new position for Patterson. Patterson plays where ever they need him, running back, wide receiver, kick returner. I would imagine he would line up at tight end or offensive line if they asked him too. But on the depth chart he is known as the Joker (J).