Atlanta Falcons (3-2) – Houston Texans (2-3): 21-19
In a game studded with punts and in which the running game was completely contained, the decision was made on the details.
The first half was very contained, marked by the offensive inefficiency of the two teams on the ground and by a multitude of penalties (12 in total). However, in the second half the Falcons were able to make the decision against all the statistics. Despite losing three balls, Atlanta was able to take advantage of Houston’s inability to gain the upper hand to win the experience. In the end the game came down to the performance of the quarterbacks and the conversion of third attempts. Thus Desmond Ridder emerged at the end of the match to make the difference with his rookie counterpart. A few games and a good last quarter were enough to grab the few points that won the match.
Punts and penalties in series
All it takes is a short warm-up series for both teams to warm up offensively. If Houston first seeks to establish its running game through Dameon Pierce (RB, 82 yards), Atlanta responds through the air and does not hesitate to call surprise plays early in the game. In this game the Falcons took the lead at the change of sides thanks to a touchdown from Desmond Ridder (QB, 28/37, 329 yards, 1 TD, 10 yards and 1 TD rushing) on the ground following a field goal of the Texans.
At the opening of the second quarter the Texans decided to insist a little more on passes, notably to Tank Dell (WR, 57 yards) and Nico Collins (WR, 39 yards), which gave them the possibility of getting back to the score by passing 3 new points. The match then tightened, with neither team managing to take the advantage and make the break. The punts follow one another in series while the clock slowly goes down. We had to wait until the last seconds for CJ Stroud (QB, 20/35, 249 yards, 1 TD) to bring his squad to the gates of the opposing goal. The Texans conclude the half with a third field goal without being able to enter the goal, but return to the locker room with the advantage in the score: 7-9.
Ball losses without consequence
The second half opens at a comparable pace. The first warning shot comes from a fumble by Bijan Robinson (RB, ) which offers 3 new points to Houston. A kick that would be a cheap warning if Atlanta did not repeat in the following series. As the points approach, this time it’s Jonnu Smith (TE, ) who releases the leather. Another missed opportunity, but Houston continues to slip in attack and does not know how to take advantage of its opportunities.
The last quarter reveals Atlanta as it approaches the goal. A new fumble again proves to be of no consequence, and Ridder offers a touchdown to Bijan Robinson (RB, 58 yards, 1 TD) to regain control of the game. Atlanta seems to really pack the match, when Houston can no longer do it. Kyle Pitts (TE, 87 yards) and Drake London (WR, 78 yards) begin to shine, and thanks to a field goal the Falcons make the break. However, the game is not over yet. On a long drive Stroud leads his troops at the end of the effort until a touchdown from Dalton Schultz (TE, 68 yards, 1 TD) leaving only a few seconds on the clock. Enough, however, for London to be decisive by crucifying Houston on a 23-yard reception. Entering the opposing red zone, Atlanta just has to position itself for the ultimate field goal. Despite all its mistakes and mistakes, the Georgia franchise wins the decision on a final kick as the clock expires.
