Atlanta Falcons (4-3) – Seattle Seahawks (4-3): 14-34
Seattle ends a three-game losing streak. Atlanta, which was on the contrary with three wins in a row, lost its head down at home. It must be said that the Seahawks did not act with sentiment. Hanging on until the start of the second half, they were able to take advantage of the errors of the heavily penalized Falcons (9 for 72 yards). The stars did not have to force their talent. Kenneth Walker III (RB) celebrates his birthday with a nice game (14 carries, 69 yards, 1 touchdown on the ground and 24 yards and 1 touchdown in the air) while DK Metcalf (WR, 4 receptions, 99 yards, 1 touchdown ) released some big, spectacular games for which he has the secret. A little worry all the same for the receiver, who returned to the locker room in the last quarter. Geno Smith (QB) played like a metronome and managed the match masterfully (18/28, 207 yards, 2 touchdowns, 15 yards rushing). The defense was also satisfactory with 3 sacks and 3 forced turnovers.
On the Atlanta side, Bijan Robinson (RB) survived before disappearing. Invisible in the last quarter, he nevertheless finished with 21 balls carried, 103 yards, 1 touchdown, 40 yards receiving. Kirk Cousins (QB) alternated between average-good and bad (24/35, 232 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 1 lost ball). He had difficulty varying his targets and certain throws including his interceptions were a little approximate. Defensively, the Falcons also struggled. The main downside remains the penalties: several times they allowed Seattle to stay on the field and collect points.
It will be interesting to see how the two teams approach the rest of the season. Seattle will have to confirm next week against Buffalo while Atlanta must bounce back immediately against the Buccaneers, an ultra-important division duel.
Kenneth Walker and DK Metcalf vs. Bijan Robinson
The match starts slowly. The Seahawks' first possession lasted more than 5 minutes but only ended with 3 points. The game is interrupted by penalties and the defenses take precedence over the attacks. No team really stands out and the first quarter ends with a relatively bland 3-0.
The second quarter does not bode better for the Falcons. After a possession of more than 5 minutes, Kirk Cousins misses his pass for Tyler Allgeier (RB), although he is unmarked. Younghoe Koo (K) misses his kick in stride and Atlanta still has no point in the match. Despite getting off to a bad start, Geno Smith converted an important third attempt with Noah Fant (TE) which placed the Seahawks in an ideal position. Kenneth Walker took advantage and scored a 20-yard touchdown for his birthday (24 years old). The match is on. Bijan Robinson takes the game into his own hands: 55 yards and his team's first touchdown on the next possession. Atlanta is back in the game (10-7). The defense rallied after a big play by DK Metcalf by catching Geno Smith. A penalty and a tackle for loss later, Seattle found itself punting. Seattle's defense sacks so Cousins and the Falcons punted in turn. The Seahawks then released a model of two-minute drill. In 1 minute, they manage to score a touchdown from their 30 yards. Smith found Metclaf on a magnificent 31-yard pass and Seattle led 17-7 at the break.
Seattle passes second
The Falcons started the second half on the right foot. Bijan Robinson is untenable: running, passing, he contributes in all areas of the game. Cousins distributes, notably to Darnell Mooney (WR) and Drake London (WR, 6 receptions, 63 yards, 1 touchdown), who scores the second touchdown of his team. While Seattle persisted in looking for the big play, the Atlanta defense took a stupid penalty which gave Seattle 4 attempts. It will only take one for Kenneth Walker III to answer Bijan Robinson's big game. He scores his second touchdown of the game, this time receiving. The Seahawks remain in the lead and Atlanta can bite their fingers. In the process, Dre'Mont Jones (DE) deflects a pass from Cousins then breaks through the offensive line to sack it. An additional penalty and the Falcons punted.
The fourth quarter turns into a nightmare for the Falcons. While they were still in the running for victory, Boye Mafe (LB) crushed Kirk Cousins who released the leather. Derick Hall (LB) then happily picks it up and drops it in the end zone. 31-14 Seattle, mass is said. London deflects a poorly thrown pass from Cousins in the air which Julian Love recovers. The Seahawks just have to calmly manage the end of the game. Cousins becomes a parody of himself and is intercepted a second time by Coby Bryant this time. At least, Michael Penix (QB, Falcons) will have taken the opportunity to make his NFL debut.
