Atlanta Falcons: Trailing Cards at half in stadium debut
By Randy Gurzi
The Atlanta Falcons have had their debut of Mercedes-Benz Stadium spoiled so far by the Arizona Cardinals who lead it at the half 17-3
3. 44. 17. 32. Final
It isn’t the start the Atlanta Falcons wanted. They debuted their new home, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but they weren’t the ones who looked at home. Instead it was the Arizona Cardinals who held that distinction.
2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan was just a bit off in his passing on the day. He did have wide receivers Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel together for the first time this offseason, which could have been what was wrong. Ryan may have been trying too hard to get them involved and get on the same page as opposed to the other two preseason games in which he just let things flow smoothly.
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The first two touchdowns in the new stadium came by the Cards as wide receiver John Brown hauled in scoring passes from both Carson Palmer and his backup quarterback Drew Stanton.
The defense for Atlanta has looked decent though for the most part. They’ve been put in bad situations by the offensive struggles and caused two turnovers still.
The first was a hard hit by safety Keanu Neal in which rookie linebacker Duke RIley got the fortunate bounce. The second was when defensive end Jack Crawford forced the ball loose and another rookie, defensive end Takkarist McKinley picked it up. That one led to the only points of the half for the Dirty Birds.
Next: Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Dominant Home Field for the Atlanta Falcons
Star Stats
Matt Ryan, RB: 4-of-11 passing, 36 yards, 1 interception
Julio Jones, WR: 0 receptions, 1 target
Tevin Coleman, RB: 3 rushes 19 yards, 1 reception 14 yards
Jack Crawford, DE: 3 tackles, 2 sacks, forced fumble
Takkarist McKinely, DE: 1 fumble recovery, 1 QB pressure