The Atlanta Falcons are back from the bye and in the Georgia Dome to take on the Indianapolis Colts during their Salute to Service game. Here are pictures from gameday.
The Falcons were unable to get back on track Sunday and, thanks to a challenging fourth quarter, fell to the Colts, 24-21. Adam Vinitieri kicked a field goal with 52 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give Indianapolis a lead it would not relinquish. Atlanta had a chance to tie it but were unable to get into Colts territory.
Thrust into action while Andrew Luck mends from a couple injuries, Matt Hasselbeck turned in a solid performance for the Colts, finishing with 23 completions for 213 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Julio Jones had another spectacular game for Atlanta, this time gaining 160 reciving yards on nine catches. But the offense missed Devonta Freeman, who left in the first quarter with a concussion, and was unable to convert late in the contest.
The defense gave up only 17 points as Atlanta held Indy to just 74 total rushing yards. The pass rush looked solid, as well, thanks to Kroy Biermann and Desmond Trufant, who each recorded a sack.
This loss unquestionably stings and has put the Falcons in a tough position. Their grip on a wild card spot is loosening, and with a couple difficult opponents on the horizon, they'll need to quickly find the early-season magic that propelled them to a 5-0 record.
