By emerging victorious at Mile High Stadium, the Falcons won their fourth game in a row and their third-straight contest away from home. This marks the first time Atlanta has won three consecutive road games since 2012.
The Falcons' success in enemy territory has showcased the toughness and resiliency head coach Dan Quinn has emphasized during his press conferences. While navigating through harsh environments in New Orleans, Oakland and Denver, Atlanta never looked outmatched or intimidated. Kyle Shanahan's offense found new and creative ways to move the ball. Backups stepped in and excelled.
And now, the Falcons sit atop the NFC South.
Quinn said last Monday that his team has a different mindset and attitude than it did last year, and those traits have been palpable of late — especially on the road. QB Matt Ryan expressed a similar sentiment following Atlanta's triumph over the Broncos.
"I think we are mentally tougher. We are a more resilient group for sure, and you learn from that," Ryan said. "Obviously we started fast last year and it didn't go our way in the second half of the season. But the difference, I think what you learn, especially for young guys is that the difference between wins and losses are a hand and both legs and we have to be on the right end. I think we have done a really good job being opportunistic early in the season."
On Oct. 28, 2012, the Falcons won their fourth-consecutive road contest when they took down the Eagles in Philadelphia. Atlanta can match that streak next Sunday in Seattle, where Quinn will face off against his former team. The Seahawks will present another tough test for a Falcons club that just defeated both Super Bowl 50 participants in back-to-back weeks.
But if the last month is any indication, Atlanta won't be fazed by the 12th Man or any other challenge presented at CenturyLink Field.
"We reset," Quinn said. "That's what we do. We go through a process when we get ready to play ball, and we love that process that we go through."
