The Falcons fell to 1-4 following a 53-32 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. Atlanta had got off to a better start but couldn't hold the lead after halftime. Matt Ryan completed 32 of 46 passes for 330 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the game. The Falcons defense also got off to a better start with the strong play from defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, forcing two fumbles.
Texans' quarterback Deshaun Watson dominated the game for Houston (3-2) following a poor performance last week. Watson completed 28 of 33 passes for 426 yards and five touchdowns. Houston receiver Will Fuller also had a big game, finishing with 14 receptions for 217 yards. Here are the main takeaways from Sunday's game:
Falcons jump out to quick start in back-and-forth first half
In Atlanta's first four games of the first half, they have been outscored 71-20. Against Houston, the Falcons were able to match their first half point total as the team gained 202 yards total. Atlanta's defense also played a notable first half after forcing two fumbles, but none were recovered. The Falcons maintained a 17-16 lead heading into halftime. This is the first game of the Falcons held a halftime lead since their first victory against Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. For more coverage on the Falcons' explosive start to the game on Sunday, click here.
Falcons' defense unable to prevent explosive plays
The Texans' offense had got into a groove throughout the contest and were able to generate explosive plays against Atlanta's defense. In the game, Houston's offense gained 592 yards and averaged 8.8 yards per down. The Falcons in 2019 are rated 10th in explosive run plays and 13th in explosive pass plays allowed. For more coverage on the Falcons defense against Houston, click here.
Ricardo Allen and Matt Ryan react three game losing streak
The Falcons are now on a 3-game skid following the loss to the Texans. Following the game, Matt Ryan described his feeling of Atlanta's slow start to the season as, "disappointed" by the 1-4 start. Falcons' safety Ricardo Allen also shared his thoughts on the game saying, "It just wasn't good at all". The Falcons players and head coach Dan Quinn have repeatedly mention how good the preparation was during the week leading to up to Sunday, but seem to can't put it all together on gameday. For more coverage on Ricardo Allen and Matt Ryan's quotes following the game, click here.
Tabeek: As Falcons search for answers, here's a good place to start
Atlanta's offense was able to find a rhythm early in the game as they put up 32 points against Houston, but it was ultimately not enough to capture the win on Sunday. On the defensive side, the Falcons surrendered 592 yards of total offense and allowed the Texans to control the game by giving away explosive plays in the second half. The Falcons are still searching for their identity and look to bounce back next week as coach Dan Quinn believe that the Falcons' backs are "against the wall". For more on Tabeek's column discussing what's next for the Falcons and where the team stands heading into Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, click here.
Other notable performances:
- Wide receiver Calvin Ridley was the led the offense in receiving with five catches for 88 yards and was target nine times in the game.
- Linebacker Deion Jones came away with another solid game, leading the defense in tackles with 11 total.
- Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell reeled in 10 tackles in the game after recording 17 last week with two forced fumbles against the Titans.
- Safety Ricardo Allen finished the game with eight tackles recorded
- Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett had a big game, racking in seven tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble
For those who want further analysis of Sunday's game between the Falcons and Texans, check out an archive of our live blog below.
Get an inside look at Atlanta Falcons vs. Houston Texans with top photos from the field at NRG Stadium
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 gestures before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 meets with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 before the game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the coin toss before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of the cleats worn by Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and wide receiver Julio Jones #11 fist bump before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the Atlanta Falcons sideline during the National Anthem before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #12 past Houston Texans cornerback Lonnie Johnson #32 to score a touchdown during the first quarter of the game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 drops back in the pocket during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 in action during the first half of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a catch over Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 during the first quarter of the game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 in action running during the first half of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 drops back in the pocket during the first half of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on during the first half of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Wes Schweitzer #71 with the ball after a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action carrying the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn reacts during the first half of the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
