Falcons' extra defensive preparation pays off with big performance

Atlanta's defense helped lift the Falcons to a win against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9.

Nov 03, 2024 at 07:00 PM

Amna Subhan

Digital Media Specialist

ATLANTA — In the lead up to their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the Atlanta Falcons' defense put an emphasis on preparing as a collective unit. It was a "special" practice week where the defense, across all position groups, spent extra time together getting on the same page.

The result: A 27-21 victory versus the Cowboys in which the Falcons allowed only three third-down conversions on 13 attempts and sacked quarterback Dak Prescott three times, their most in a single game this season.

"When you're on the same page, you're out there flying around, executing and playing together," linebacker Kaden Elliss said, "that's when you're hard to beat."

Elliss had a stellar performance, leading the team with 13 tackles and recording a sack, two tackles for loss and three quarterback hits. He received the game ball in the locker room afterwards.

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The Falcons held Dallas' offense to a 23.1% conversion rate on third down. That's an improvement from their season average of 49% which ranked No. 30 in the NFL heading into Week 9. Not only did the defense come through on third down, they also held Dallas to 1 for 5 on fourth down.

It was an all-around effort. The secondary pulled their weight as evidenced by Dee Alford's two pass breakups in the red zone. The first came on third-and-11 (against Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb, no less) and then he followed that up on fourth down on the following play. The defensive front had their third-down moments, too. Grady Jarrett had a sack on a third-and-9 in the first quarter to force a three-and-out and set the tone.

"I think it was definitely was an emphasis and something we wanted to be better in, and something we knew we could be better in," Jarrett said of the third-down defense. "And it comes down to what we talked (about) earlier in the week — execution. And that's what we did today, so proud of the growth."

While executing on third down was an emphasis, getting the quarterback down was priority No. 1. Outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie said it had to be the focus for the Falcons, who ranked 32nd in sack total coming into Sunday.

Ebiketie recorded his first sack of the season in the first quarter. He got to Prescott on a second-down rush to set up the third-down sack by Jarrett which forced the Cowboys into a three-and-out on their second possession of the game.

"The urgency was there, we talked about it all week," Ebiketie said. "Practice becomes game reality. We knew we had to go out there at practice and just convert those rushes. We put the work in the whole week, and had a feeling, had a feeling it was going to be one of those weeks."

The Falcons finished the day with three sacks, exactly half of their previous total through eight games. Multiple times throughout the week players to coaches repeated the theme of "rushing as one." It began with their preparation as a collective unit and ended in their best pass-rushing performance of the year so far.

That extra emphasis translated against the Cowboys, and players believe it's just the starting point.

"Definitely needed this win today and we got it," Jarrett said. "It's gonna continue to propel us forward; we're hungry for more."

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 in the tunnel before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 in the tunnel before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 reacts after a play during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates a first down during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 makes a catch during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a touchdown pass during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a sack during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 celebrating a sack during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs with the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches a pass during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 runs the ball into the end zone during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 scores an extra point during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defense tackle a wide receiver during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 and Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 c carries the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 reacts during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to pass during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 hands off the ball to Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs with the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 line up during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks an extra point during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 scores a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 throws the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks #35 and Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons players during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 sacks the quarterback during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 reacts during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 react during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 make a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 scores a touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 reacts to the touchdown during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Falcons fans Swag Surfing during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to pass the ball during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a tackle during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 breaks up a pass during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and defense reacts to fourth down stop during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 celebrates a pass break up during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 celebrates during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 reacts after a fourth down stop during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the sideline during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 on the sideline during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Atlanta Falcons Win Graphic on the Halo Board during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Fans after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Atlanta Falcons Win Graphic on the Halo Board after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back DeMarcco Hellams #23 and Freddie Falcon after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 and Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63 in the locker room after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 in the locker room after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank in the locker room after the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Falcons' extra defensive preparation pays off with big performance

Atlanta's defense helped lift the Falcons to a win against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9.

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