For the first time this season the Atlanta Falcons have won a game in back-to-back weeks. Atlanta emerged with a 34-27 victory against the Denver Broncos, also solidifying its first win at home this season.
"The dirty birds are back," interim head coach Raheem Morris said. "You get a win at home, you feel the energy, you feel the juice, and you never apologize for anything that went wrong in a game. You just go out there, and you win football games."
This was one of those all-three-phases type of wins, with big contributions from the offense, defense and special teams. Most notably, the offense didn't skip a beat without Calvin Ridley on the field. Christian Blake, Olamide Zaccheaus and Brandon Powell each stepped up to help Matt Ryan have perhaps his best game of the season.
"It's a really good group," Ryan said. "I've been lucky throughout my career to play with some great players and this group is right up there with any of them."
Zaccheaus led the Falcons with 103 receiving yards and caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Ryan in the first half. Powell also snagged a touchdown pass from Ryan, and Julio Jones helped put the game out of reach for Denver with a 21-yard touchdown catch after shaking a Broncos defender out of his cleats.
Ryan finished the game with 284 passing yards and three touchdown passes to just one interception. He was aided by Todd Gurley, who gained 53 yards on 19 carries and scored one touchdown. Hayden Hurst and Julio Jones chipped in with 62 and 54 yards, respectively. Atlanta gained 363 yards on offense and converted 46 percent of its third-down attempts.
It was the second-straight game in which the defense showed up for Atlanta. Without Takk McKinley and Dante Fowler, the Falcons generated pressure with blitzes and their reserves on the defensive line – oh, and Grady Jarrett. Jarrett's pressure on Drew Lock helped Ricardo Allen secure an interception in the fourth quarter that really put the game out of reach.
"Today, Rico Allen getting the big pick, Grady on the pressure," Morris said. "We shined the light on that early in the week. We knew we had a clear-cut advantage in there for him to take advantage of some opportunities to rush, and he absolutely did. Our backers just keep stepping up. I can't say enough about Foye, can't say enough about Debo and the things they're able to do out there."
Allen's interception was the only turnover for Atlanta, but the Falcons forced two fumbles and had consistent pressure on Lock. Despite allowing 405 yards to the Broncos, many of which came in the fourth quarter, Atlanta had one of their better defensive performances of the year.
While things still look fairly dire for the Falcons in 2020, they enter their bye week with a two-game win streak and have won three of the four games since Raheem Morris took over as interim head coach. The schedule after the bye week is extremely tough, but they may yet make things interesting.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos with top photos from Week 9 | Salute to Service game
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Salute to Service activation on the halo board during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Salute to Service uniform decals before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from Salute to Service activation in Merceces-Benz Stadium before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
General Jim Dickinson and Master Gunnery Sergeant Scott H. Stalker pull the train horn against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
General Jim Dickinson and Master Gunnery Sergeant Scott H. Stalker pull the train horn against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders perform during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 runs out the TAPS flag before game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 gestures during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 smiles during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders perform during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 hugs wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brandon Powell #15 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 fist bumps running back Todd Gurley #21 during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 reacts during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 makes a catch during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 reacts during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 makes an interception during the second half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 makes an interception during the second half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 stands ready during the second half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 celebrates with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 during the second half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 celebrates with linebacker Deion Jones #45 during the second half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 celebrates with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 during the second half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders perform during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 and defensive back Darqueze Dennard #34 celebrate after Ricardo Allen makes an interception against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and running back Todd Gurley #21 celebrate after Todd Gurley scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 is shown during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 and Denver Broncos defensive back Kevin Toliver #26 shake hands after the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 is shown after the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Russell Gage is shown after the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 gestures during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is shown after the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 celebrates after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 breaks up a pass during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tyler Hall #44 and linebacker Edmond Robinson #46 defend during the first half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 and running back Qadree Ollison #30 celebrate a touchdown during the first half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium after a touchdown against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 makes a catch for a touchdown during the first half against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates making a sack during the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs for a first down during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 in action during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 receives the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates with running back Todd Gurley #21after receiving the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 gestures during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the first quarter during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 receives the ball to make a touchdown during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 celebrates with running back Qadree Ollison #30 touchdown during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is shown during warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is shown with Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank during warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Edmond Robinson #46 is shown during warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons Owner embraces Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen (37) before the first half of an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
A general view of Merceces-Benz Stadium before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from Salute to Service activation in Merceces-Benz Stadium before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown before the game against the Denver Broncos on November 8, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
