The Atlanta Falcons are now 1-2 following a 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Here are the main takeaways from Sunday's game:
Neal, Smith suffer injuries
In the second quarter, Falcons safety Keanu Neal suffered an Achilles injury. The injury occurred on Neal's coverage in the red zone on Colt's tight end Eric Ebron. He was carted off of the field to the locker room and did not return to the game.
Last year in the season opener, Neal suffered a season-ending ACL injury and fought hard the entire off season to make his return to the field. Along with Neal, Falcons back up running back Ito Smith also did not return after being evaluated for a concussion in the first half. For more coverage of the injuries that occurred in the game, click here.
Tabeek: Loss overshadows Ryan's gritty performance
Matt Ryan and Jacoby Brissett combined for 604 passing yards and five touchdowns. While it was Brissett who dominated in the first half, Ryan nearly rallied the Falcons to an improbable comeback. While Falcons fans will remember the loss, penalties and injuries from this day, lost will be a special quarterback duel. Tabeek's column.
Penalties thwart offense, defense
Penalties were one of the main issues for the Falcons on both sides of the ball. Against the Colts, the Falcons committed 16 penalties for 128 yards opposed to the Colts' four penalties for 39 yards.
Atlanta was one penalty shy from the single-game record. Six penalties were on offense, nine on defense and one penalty called on special teams. Seven of the nine penalties called on defense resulted in first downs for the Colts. For more coverage on the Falcons struggle with penalties against Indianapolis, click here.
Players react to second road loss
In the second half, Atlanta's defense was unable to pick up a stop on the Colt's final drive as Indianapolis went 3-for-3 on third down and ran the clock out to win the game. Ultimately, the Falcons had several opportunities to get off the field, but due to penalties the Colts were able to keep drives alive setting them up for opportunities.
For more on the players reaction to the road loss against the Colts, click here.
Othere notable performances:
Wide receiver Julio Jones was more than prepared for the Vikings secondary. Jones finished the game with eight catches for 128 yards. This is the second game of the season Jones finished with over 100 yards receiving.
Running back Devonta Freeman contributed well in the Falcons run game. Freeman ran for 88 yards on 16 carries. Headed into the Colts game, Freeman was held to just 41 yards rushing for the season.
Tight end Austin Hooper had a solid turnout versus the Colts. In the game, Hooper reeled in six catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan and Hooper connected on a 13-yard and 2-yard completions for touchdowns.
Linebacker Deion Jones led the defense on tackles coming away with nine total in the game.
Safety Ricardo Allen was the second leader in tackles for the Falcons defense, finishing with seven recorded.
For those who want further analysis of Thursday's preseason game between the Falcons and Redskins, check out an archive of our live blog, below.
Get an inside look at Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts with top photos from the field at Lucas Oil Stadium
A general view of the coin toss before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn signs autographs for fans before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 signs autographs for fans before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kemal Ishmael #36 before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brandon Powell #15 and safety Chris Cooper #34 warm up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 looks on before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of the cleats worn by Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 in action against defensive back Kendall Sheffield #20 before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 leads the huddle before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons line up during the National Anthem before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri #4 shake hands before the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, before the game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 and running back Devonta Freeman #24 before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action during the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 yells for the snap from center Alex Mack #51 during the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 in action during the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action during the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in action during the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 reacts after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a catch during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a catch during the third quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 gestures after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a heaping catch during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action rolling out to pass during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive players huddle during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 makes a catch during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 in action during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 yells during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Atlanta Falcons)
