Steve Scarnecchia Chief Of Staff, Coaching Operations | Atlanta Falcons Website
Steve Scarnecchia Chief Of Staff, Coaching Operations | Atlanta Falcons Website
The Atlanta Falcons were unable to secure a comeback victory in their Week 3 home game against the Kansas City Chiefs, falling 22-17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins led an impressive opening drive for the Falcons, completing all five of his pass attempts, including a 14-yard touchdown to wide receiver Drake London. The drive consisted of seven plays covering 70 yards. "It could not have gone much better," said Cousins.
The Chiefs responded with a long drive of their own but were thwarted by an interception from Atlanta safety Justin Simmons in the end zone. This marked Simmons' first interception as a Falcon and the sixth time he has intercepted Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Kansas City tied the game early in the second quarter with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to wide receiver Rashee Rice. The Falcons quickly answered with a five-play, 70-yard drive capped by a 1-yard run from running back Bijan Robinson.
Injuries began to impact the Falcons as right tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman both left the game during the second quarter. The Chiefs managed to close the gap with two field goals from kicker Harrison Butker before halftime, leaving Atlanta with a narrow 14-13 lead at the break.
The Chiefs took their first lead early in the third quarter with another field goal from Butker. A subsequent touchdown pass from Mahomes to wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster extended Kansas City's lead to eight points after a missed extra point.
Atlanta's offense struggled in response, going three-and-out twice and failing to capitalize on key opportunities. Kicker Younghoe Koo brought the Falcons within five points with a 54-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter.
Despite strong defensive efforts that forced Kansas City into multiple three-and-outs, Atlanta's final offensive drives fell short. A failed fourth-and-5 attempt at Kansas City's 6-yard line and an unsuccessful fourth-and-1 conversion at Kansas City's 13-yard line sealed their fate.
The Chiefs ran out the clock after taking over possession with just under a minute remaining, securing their victory over the Falcons.
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