For the 2024 NFL season, digital team reporter Terrin Waack will provide select stellar stats, obscure facts and notable quotes from the most recent game to show how the Atlanta Falcons are taking flight into the new week.
DENVER — The Atlanta Falcons lost, 38-6, to the Denver Broncos last Sunday in their Week 11 matchup at Empower Field at Mile High in front of 76,545 ticketed fans.
STELLAR STATS
Note: Some of these are more standout than stellar, given the game's outcome.
— The last time the Falcons lost by at least 32 points was 2021 Week 10 in a 43-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Broncos loss was just the second time this year the Falcons were bested by double digits. The other was Atlanta's 34-14 Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
— After five consecutive games in which the Falcons ran for at least 100 yards, they posted a season-low 50 yards rushing against the Broncos. Denver's seventh-ranked run defense allowed an average of 103.5 yards rushing per game entering Sunday's contest. Atlanta's 12th-ranked rushing offense, meanwhile, averaged 124.7 yards rushing per game.
— Falcons safety Jessie Bates III forced a fumble out of Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey in the third quarter. It marked Bates' fourth forced fumble this season, tying him with San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt for the NFL lead.
— Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss finished with nine tackles, which gives him 97 on the season. The total ranks ninth in the NFL and third in the NFC.
— For the first time this season, Falcons defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus was active. The Falcons' fourth-round draft pick made two tackles in his debut.
OBSCURE FACTS
— The Broncos had 295 net passing yards. More than a third came from yards picked up after the catch. Denver totaled 199 yards after catch, which is the most Atlanta has allowed this season.
— For the second consecutive game, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins did not throw a touchdown pass. The last time Cousins had two games in a row without a touchdown pass were Weeks 8 and 14 in 2013 — both of which were losses. Cousins was a backup at the time and inactive Weeks 9-13, so that's why there's a gap. As a starter, Cousins had never had back-to-back games without a touchdown pass until Sunday. Also, out of his 161 career games so far, only 15 have lacked a touchdown pass.
— Kaden Elliss' brother, Jonah, is a rookie outside linebacker for the Broncos. Jonah sacked Cousins in the third quarter, giving the younger Elliss three sacks this season. No one on the Falcons has reached that count.
— Broncos head coach Sean Payton is 4-0 against NFC South teams in 2024. Prior to Denver, Payton ran the show in New Orleans for 15 years and is now 22-9 against Atlanta all-time.
— The Falcons had their narrowest time-of-possession margin on Sunday. Denver possessed the ball for 30:05, while Atlanta did so for 29:55. That makes for a 10-second difference. The next closest margin was 1:20 in the Falcons' Week 6 win against the Carolina Panthers and Week 9 win against the Cowboys. Atlanta held the advantage in the first but not the second. For comparison, the Falcons' widest time-of-possession margin in 2024 stands at 11:24 in their Week 4 win against the New Orleans Saints. While New Orleans possessed the ball for 35:24, Atlanta did so for 24:18.
QUOTING RAHEEM MORRIS
On his outlook on the team heading into the bye…
"Not one game will ever define you. This one game won't define us. I know this team will bounce back. It's obviously a tough day for those guys. It's a tough day for the organizations, a tough day for the coaches. But this organization is built on tough people. Our leader and general (team owner Arthur Blank) is sitting right there, and he's ready to deal."
QUOTING THE FALCONS
Quarterback Kirk Cousins
On what brings a team back from a low point like this…
"There's no magic formula, but I think having conversations this week is important. What are we doing well? What are we not doing well? How do we fix it? Those are important questions to ask, but the answers are even more important as to how you fix it. That's to be determined."
QUOTING THE OPPONENT
Broncos head coach Sean Payton
On the defense only allowing the Falcons six points…
"It started with defending (Falcons running back Bijan Robinson). He's explosive. Their wide-zone scheme, they do a great job with him. If that gets going, then everything else falls in place for the quarterback. We felt like the primary key to winning this game was, when the game ended, who won the rushing battle."
GAME LEADERS
Top 3 rushers
- Broncos: Javonte Williams | nine carries for 59 yards and a touchdown
- Falcons: Bijan Robinson | 12 carries for 35 yards
- Broncos: Jaleel McLaughlin | four carries for 19 yards
Top 3 receivers
- Broncos: Courtland Sutton | seven receptions for 78 yards
- Broncos: Devaughn Vele | four receptions for 66 yards
- Falcons: Drake London | three receptions for 61 yards
Top 3 passers
- Broncos: Bo Nix | 28-33 for 307 yards and four touchdowns (sacked four times)
- Falcons: Kirk Cousins | 18-27 for 173 yards (intercepted once, sacked three times(
- Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. | 2-4 for 24 yards (sacked once)
Top 3 tacklers
- Falcons: Jessie Bates III | 10 total tackles, five solo (a pass breakup, a forced fumble)
- Falcons: Kaden Elliss | nine total tackles, seven solo (a quarterback hit, a tackle for loss)
- Broncos: Ja'Quan McMillian | nine total tackles, five solo (a pass breakup)
NEXT UP
The Falcons (6-5) have their Week 12 bye and are 21-14 all-time in post-bye games.
Atlanta will return to action Dec. 1, when the Los Angeles Chargers come to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Week 13 game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET and will air live on CBS.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High during Week 11, presented by Grady.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 carries the ball during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive line during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive line during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 makes a tackle during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 carries the ball during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 carries the ball during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 carries the ball during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 carries the ball during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 makes a field goal during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches the ball during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 makes a tackle during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 hands the ball to Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 makes a tackle during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 reacts during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches a pass during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 carries the ball during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 reacts during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 carries the ball during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Atlanta Falcons)
