ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Falcons (4-6) ended up on the wrong side of yet another close game inside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, losing on the final play of the game, a 42-yard field goal by Brett Maher that gave the Dallas Cowboys (5-5) a 22-19 victory.
Matt Bryant back to money form
In his first game back for the Falcons since suffering a hamstring injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Matt Bryant looked like his usual self. The 43-year-old kicker made all four of his field goal attempts on Sunday, hitting from distances of 21, 41, 45 and 53 yards.
Julio Jones: Professional hitman
If he weren't an All-Pro wide receiver, Julio Jones could have a career as an All-Pro safety. Jones prevented a likely interception by eviscerating safety Jeff Heath and jarring the ball loose with the tackle.
Jones finished the game with six catches for 118 yards and a 34-yard touchdown catch that tied the game deep in the fourth quarter.
Battle of the rookie linebackers
Two rookie linebackers were on the field a lot on Sunday, and both Foye Oluokun and Leighton Vander Esch looked impressive.
Oluokon, a sixth-round draft pick, has improved as his first NFL season rolls along, and he continued to make plays at a reliable clip on Sunday. Oluokon led all Falcons defenders with eight tackles in the game, and his play time has notably increased throughout the year.
Vander Esch, a first-round selection, was the best defensive player on the field for the Cowboys Sunday, recording eight tackles, three pass defenses and an interception off a tipped pass.
For more in-depth analysis from during the game, you can check out our in-game live blog below.
