ATLANTA – That didn't go the way the Falcons planned it.
The home team had firm control over the rival New Orleans Saints in the regular-season opener in front of a massive, raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd that was super into it from the opening kick.
There was reason to cheer. The Falcons were beating the Saints in every phase. They were running the ball well. They were point scorers in the kicking game. They were pressuring the passer at a rate unseen in recent seasons.
Then, well, you know what happened next.
The Saints surged ahead, erased a two-score, fourth-quarter Falcons lead and essentially won it with Will Lutz's 51-yard field goal with 19 seconds left. The whirlwind of explosive plays and Saints scoring came in a massive gust, with enough power to knock the Falcons off their axis.
The Falcons were in command. Then they weren't, passengers unable to stop the Saints attack or generate enough offense to run out the clock with their lead intact. Yeah. It happened that fast.
While the fourth-quarter took some time to absorb, a difficult reality set in motion an important question: What happens next?
How will the Falcons respond? Will one loss impact a second, or will they turn the page quickly and reset? That will be vital as the Falcons move forward.
Can't change what happened on Sunday. What's done is done.
"We can't let this one game define us," running back Cordarrelle Patterson said. "We didn't get the 'W' that we wanted, but we have to keep working hard.
"We'll let this sit for 24 hours, but then we've got to move on to the Rams. We have 16 more games in this season. For me, I don't stress. I don't trip. It's football and sometimes crazy things happen. You can't let one game define you. You have to keep pushing."
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints in the first game of 2022.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans pose with the giveaway flag before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Quinton Bell #56 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans participate in the Dirty Birds March before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans participate in the Dirty Birds March before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 walk out to warmups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle before running out to warmups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 warm up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is seen on the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players warm up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 leads the team huddle during warmups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 takes the field for warm ups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 walks out before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players walk out int he tunnel before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 walks out in the tunnel before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 walks out before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
General view of the coin toss prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
General view during the anthem prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
General view during the anthem prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 hands off during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 throws the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 looks to pass during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 lines up for a play during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 looks down the line before a play during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 catches the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97, defensive tackle Anthony Rush #94, and inside linebacker Rashaan Evans #54 make a tackle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 takes a snap during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 hands off to running back Damien Williams #6 during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Offensive huddle during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 rushes during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Damien Williams #6 rushes during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 reacts after a touchdown int he first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs the ball for a touchdown in the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 reacts after a touchdown int he first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge Arnold Ebiketie #47 and linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 make a sack during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 and wide receiver Drake London #5 react after a play against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett #97 and linebacker Mykal Walker #3 sack the quarterback during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 makes a sack during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett #97 and linebacker Mykal Walker #3 sack the quarterback during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 and quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 react after a field goal against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 carries the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji #92 and edge Arnold Ebiketie #47 react after a sack during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Anthony Rush #94 reacts after a play during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 prepares to make a tackle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 reacts after a sack against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 lines up the kick before a field goal during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 prepares to hand off during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 reacts after a play during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 rushes for a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans react after a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 carries the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 hands off the against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 carries the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 is seen on the sideline during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 is seen on the sideline during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 throws a pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #3 forces a fumble during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Rashaan Evans #54 reacts after recovering a fumble during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #3 reacts after a play during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Defensive huddle during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Mykal Walker #3 reacts after a sack during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cheerleader waves a flag during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson #68 makes a block during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Rashaan Evans #54 reacts after a play during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 lines up for a play during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 reacts after a catch during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 throws a pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 carries the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Offensive huddle during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 rushes during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Nick Thurman #91 and outside linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji #92 attempts to block a field goal during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
(L-R) New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen and Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith shake hands after their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 hugs a New Orleans Saints player after the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen #44 swaps jerseys after the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 and a Saints player interact after the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 11, 2022. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Can't let it define us.
That was a message was hammered home by leaders interviewed in the postgame locker room. Patterson used the phrase. So did Jake Matthews and Rashaan Evans. Grady Jarrett didn't use that exact phrase but made the same point.
"We have to go back to work. I know I've sat up here and said it before, but it's simple," the defensive tackle said. "We gotta finish the game as a whole team. There's more than one play in the game that determines the outcome. Everybody takes a part in it. That's something we have to know going forward but I'm encouraged because we played hard and had the stadium rocking. It's one of the most excited I've seen the team, with the fans giving us everything they've got. It was beautiful scene today. We want to respond from this loss and continue to stack wins and keep it turnt up like that.
"Unfortunately, we came up short, but there are no excuses. We have to go back to work"
The Falcons were really good at that last season, quickly moving on from difficult losses and following them up with dramatic wins. Look at Weeks 4, 5 and 7 last season. The Falcons lost to Washington in dramatic fashion, then came back and won two straight over the Jets (in London of all places) and Dolphins on the road after a bye.
Matthews didn't think Falcons leadership needed to make a concerted effort to put "don't let it define us' on repeat. The tone has already been set. Falcons captains don't have to make a course correction.
"I'm not worried about that," Matthews said. "We have a great group of guys. I really mean that. We have real pros, and guys who want to play hard for each other. I have been encouraged by seeing all that, so I'm not really worried about what leadership needs to do this week. We're going to continue to work hard and focus on the things that [head coach Arthur Smith] talks about every week."
There's plenty of good to build off, especially with play along both lines of scrimmage in the first three quarters. They ran the ball well, were balanced on offense and affected the passer time and again. They focus on the good while trying to correct mistakes that won't be acceptable down the road.
"We ended up with a loss, but our pride wasn't beat," Evans said. "This is a long season. We understand that one game doesn't define us. We have to get back at it and be better in the fourth quarter, finishing games.
"You have to give kudos to the Saints, but it does leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Hopefully it will be motivation for us going into next week."
