Atlanta Falcons vs. Oakland Raiders: 5 reasons the Falcons won

Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (80) is tackled by Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) in the second quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (80) is tackled by Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) in the second quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Tight Ends

With the Raiders deciding to cover Julio Jones with the entire state of California for most of the afternoon, the Falcons needed other options to step up in the passing game. Jacob Tamme, Austin Hooper, and Levine Toilolo all made huge catches for the Falcons today. The tight ends all stepped up and delivered for an offense that needed them to.

The trio combined for 10 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown. Jacob Tamme caught the touchdown for the group off of a dime from Ryan.

Every time Ryan rolled out on play-action it seemed one of the three was open for a solid gain. This is a big revelation for the Falcons, who haven’t had steady play from their Tight Ends since Tony Gonzales left.

If it weren’t for their performances today, the Falcons may not have come away with a win. With Jones/Sanu requiring so much attention, this could be a more regular occurrence for the Atlanta offense.