Falcons-Cowboys game breakdown: What happened in Week 9 win

The main takeaways, moments and more that determined the outcome of Sunday’s game between the Falcons and Cowboys.

Nov 03, 2024 at 04:02 PM

Terrin Waack

Falcons Digital Team Reporter

ATLANTA — After the Atlanta Falcons (6-3) took the lead from the Dallas Cowboys (3-5) in the first quarter, it was the home team's to keep through the buzzer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons secured their second-straight victory and earned a win against a possible NFC playoff contender.

Final score: 27-21

Why it's important: The Falcons proved they can sustain success after a massive win. A week ago, Atlanta beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to take a one-game lead in the division and earn an important tiebreak. However, after the Falcons went 3-0 against NFC South opponents in Weeks 4-6, they lost to the Seattle Seahawks at home. This was a chance to show improvement in a similar circumstance, and they handled their business against the Cowboys.

Key takeaway: Although it wasn't a perfectly clean game — the Falcons did have three fumbles and lost one — Atlanta made up for any of its mistakes, and fast.

More: Early in the second quarter, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was sacked by Cowboys defensive end Carl Lawson on a third-and-9 play for a loss of 8 yards. In the process, Lawson forced the ball out of Cousins' hand, and Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson recovered the fumble.
The Cowboys' offense strung a few plays together, but the Falcons' defense really stepped up on third-and-1, when defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and inside linebacker Nate Landman stopped running back Rico Dowdle at the line of scrimmage. The Cowboys decided to go for it, and Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss tackled wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a loss of 3 yards to turn the possession over on downs.
The Falcons' offense turned that positive moment from the defense into a touchdown. The scoring drive consisted of five plays for 53 yards. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney ultimately caught a deep 36-yard pass from Cousins toward the right side of the field. Mooney ran clean and green into the end zone. It gave the Falcons a 14-3 lead, and the sequence swung the game in Atlanta's favor early while preventing Dallas from gaining any momentum.

Standout performance: Running back Bijan Robinson, who finished with a career-best 26 touches for 145 yards. On the Falcons' first scoring drive, Robinson had four carries for 29 yards, an average of 7.25 yards per carry. The drive itself was seven plays for 78 yards, so Robinson was responsible for 57% of the touches and 37% of the distance. That's just one example of how he was able to slice and dice the Cowboys' defense, too. What the numbers don't show, though, was Robinson's ability to power through his runs. He sustained a lot of hits from Cowboys defenders but managed to stay upright and often pushed through multiple players. His vision and contact balance were on full display Sunday.

Number to know: 3. The number of sacks the Falcons totaled against the Cowboys, which marked a new season high for a single game. Falcons inside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett sacked Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott on back-to-back plays in the first quarter. Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss later took Prescott down in the third quarter. Entering Sunday's game, Atlanta had the fewest sacks in the NFL with six. The pass rush was questioned throughout the week, and everyone voiced that it was an area that needed to improve. That happened on Sunday.

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Player milestones:

With his 36-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney broke his previous single-season record. He scored four times in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but he's now at five through nine games in Atlanta.
Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III scored on an 11-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. It marked his second career receiving touchdown and his first as a member of the Falcons.
For the third straight week, Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss recorded double-digit tackles. He had 10 tackles in the Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and 11 tackles in the Week 8 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His 13 tackles against the Cowboys on Sunday were the most he's had in a game this season, and Elliss registered his first sack of the year.

Injury updates:

First quarter: wide receiver Drake London injured his hip and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Fourth quarter: defensive tackle Grady Jarrett strained an Achilles tendon and was ruled for the remainder of the game.

Recap the game in a tweet: The Falcons editorial staff of Tori McElhaney, Will McFadden, Terrin Waack and Amna Subhan share their gut reactions to Sunday's outcome in 280 characters or less.

McElhaney: Well, would you look at that: It's a complete team win.
McFadden: He's swagging. He's surfing. But, above all, Kirk Cousins is BALLING!
Waack: It just had to become a one-score game in the final two minutes.
Subhan: Kaden Elliss has been everywhere today.

Settling the storylines:

**Troy Andersen inactive**: The Falcons inside linebacker hasn't played in a game since Atlanta's Week 4 win against the New Orleans Saints due to a knee injury. Because Andersen and fellow inside linebacker JD Bertrand were both inactive against the Cowboys, the Falcons signed Rashaan Evans to the 53-man roster before Sunday's game to account for the lack of depth at the position behind starters Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman.

**Addressing the Falcons’ pass rush**: Atlanta had only six sacks entering Sunday, which were the fewest in the NFL. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, meanwhile, was the 10th-most-sacked quarterback in the league. The Falcons got to Prescott twice in the first quarter, increasing their season sack total by 33% on back-to-back plays. Then, Kaden Elliss got Prescott on the ground in the third quarter to give Atlanta three sacks on the day.

**Player of the Game prediction? Drake London**: London got off to a hot start, catching a 9-yard touchdown from quarterback Kirk Cousins in the first quarter. He was injured on the play, however, and later ruled out due to a hip injury.

Looking forward: The Falcons have their second NFC South rematch on tap with a trip to the New Orleans Saints. The Week 10 game is scheduled for next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET inside Caesars Superdome. Atlanta is 4-0 in divisional play.

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 in the tunnel before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 in the tunnel before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 reacts after a play during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates a first down during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 makes a catch during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a touchdown pass during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a sack during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 celebrating a sack during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs with the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches a pass during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 runs the ball into the end zone during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 scores an extra point during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defense tackle a wide receiver during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 and Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 c carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 reacts during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to pass during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 hands off the ball to Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs with the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 line up during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks an extra point during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 scores a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 throws the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks #35 and Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons players during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 sacks the quarterback during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 reacts during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 react during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 make a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 scores a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 reacts to the touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Falcons fans Swag Surfing during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to pass the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 breaks up a pass during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and defense reacts to fourth down stop during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 celebrates a pass break up during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 celebrates during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 reacts after a fourth down stop during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the sideline during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 on the sideline during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Atlanta Falcons Win Graphic on the Halo Board during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Fans after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Atlanta Falcons Win Graphic on the Halo Board after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back DeMarcco Hellams #23 and Freddie Falcon after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 and Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63 in the locker room after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 in the locker room after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank in the locker room after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Falcons-Cowboys game breakdown: What happened in Week 9 win

The main takeaways, moments and more that determined the outcome of Sunday’s game between the Falcons and Cowboys.

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