ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Falcons (1-3) dropped their third game of the season on Sunday, losing 24-10 to the Tennessee Titans (2-2) in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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The loss draws the first quarter of the 2019 season to a close, and the Falcons don't like where they stand through four games.
"We've been through one quarter, and where we sit is 1-3," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said after the game. "Not acceptable for the standards that we've set for one another. We intend on getting that fixed. It'll take work to do that, but that's what we intend on doing."
This start, which has involved slow starts on offense and plenty of penalties, was not what the Falcons anticipated and it's left them searching for answers with 12 games left to play. Atlanta scored a touchdown in the first quarter for the first time this season against the Titans, a 1-yard run by Ito Smith, but that was the only touchdown the Falcons' offense could muster.
Atlanta moved the ball fairly well against a Titans defense that had allowed the sixth-fewest yards in the league entering the contest. The Falcons gained 422 yards on Sunday, including 364 through the air, but managed to score just 10 points. Three times the Falcons turned the ball over on downs after failing to convert on fourth-and-short situations.
Injuries along the offensive line did not help matters. The Falcons lost right guard Jamon Brown early in the game, and center Alex Mack briefly went to the locker room at one point with an elbow injury. That shuffling briefly resulted in a time when the Falcons had Wes Schweitzer playing center and swing tackle Ty Sambrailo in at right guard. The Titans took advantage of that, sacking Matt Ryan five times and hitting him a total of 12 times.
"Usually it comes down to all 11 of us executing and finishing our plays and winning our one-on-one matchups," Ryan said. "I've played football for a long time. From basically the time I've started playing until right now, it's about winning your one-on-one matchups. Across the board we haven't done a good enough job of that."
During the week leading up to the Titans game, the Falcons placed a major emphasis on cleaning up the penalties and getting off to a faster start. After committing 16 fouls in Week 3 against the Colts, the Falcons were flagged seven times on Sunday, which marks notable improvement in that area. For the third time this season, however, the Falcons trailed at halftime.
Despite the slow starts that have defined the early part of this season, the Falcons remain adamant that the preparation throughout the week has been where it's needed to be.
"We practiced well, we did everything great," Falcons receiver Julio Jones said. "We had the referees out there, everything looked smooth. The execution was there, everything was there. It's just that it happened in the game. For us, it's something we've got to figure out, all of us, collectively, to see what we can all do better."
There have been some strong individual performances this season for the Falcons, and there were some on Sunday as well. Austin Hooper led the team with nine catches for 130 yards, one week after catching two touchdown passes, and De'Vondre Campbell finished the game with 17 tackles, two tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles.
It takes more than high-caliber individual play to win in the NFL, however, and the Falcons continue to seek a complete performance as a team. After one quarter of the season, the Falcons are still digging for answers and working to get things fixed.
"When you're not performing well you look at everything," Quinn said. "… We'll make sure we dig in hard to the areas that need it, and we're nowhere near the team that we can be. We're pissed about where we're at after the first quarter [of the season], as I think our fans are. The good thing? We're the ones that get to fix it, and we certainly intend on doing that."
Get an inside look at Atlanta Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans with top photos from the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 before the game between the. Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons).
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 is shown before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons).
Members of the Big Gang gestures before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Members of the Big Gang gestures before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of an Atlanta Falcons player helmet is shown before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 cleats are shown before the game between the Tennessee Titans and. Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 warms up before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of Atlanta Falcons player cleats are shown before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 is introduced before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant #21 takes the field during the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Ricardo Allen takes the field during the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 takes the field during the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Jamon Brown #68 reacts during the first quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 tackles Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis #33 during the first quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Honorary Captain Caroline Brewer, who is fighting brain cancer, holds hands with Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 and Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn as wide receiver Julio Jones #11 looks on during the national anthem before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Honorary Captain Caroline Brewer, who is fighting brain cancer, gives Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 a high five before the start of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 and defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. #44 react after a play during the first quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the first quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 runs the ball in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 celebrates after running back Ito Smith #25 (not shown) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titansat Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 hands the ball off to Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons).
A detailed view of Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 looking on from the sideline during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with offensive guard Wes Schweitzer #71 during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis #84 during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 yells from the line of scrimmage during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action running during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kemal Ishmael #36 makes a gang-tackle during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 runs the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
During the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
During the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
During the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in action during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in action during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell #59 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 runs the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 passes the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant #3 looks on before attempting a kick during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin #78 in action during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell #59 gestures during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Cominsky #50 celebrates as the Atlanta Falcons recover a fumble during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons celebrate after recovering a fumble during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons).
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jack Crawford #95 gestures during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Cominsky #50 celebrates as the Atlanta Falcons recover a fumble during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan #26 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 swap jerseys after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Wes Schweitzer #71 and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle David Quessenberry #72 swap jerseys after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown #11 swap jerseys after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 swaps jerseys after the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday September 29, 2019. (Photo by Lynn Bass/Atlanta Falcons)
