Atlanta Falcons: A couple of good games despite the terrible loss

The Atlanta Falcons played the Detroit Lions in week seven and hoped to start a winning streak.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. The Atlanta Falcons are now 1-6 on the season, with their only win coming against the Minnesota Vikings in week six. As well as the defense and offense played last week in their win, this week was much of a different story.

Both sides of the ball had good and bad in this game, but there can be some good to look at for this struggling Falcons team.

Atlanta Falcons winners from week seven.

Keanu Neal

One of the winners from this week despite the team loss is Keanu Neal. After suffering two season-ending injuries in a row, Neal is finally healthy. Keanu is looking more and more like the safety the Falcons drafted him to be.

Even with the 23-22 loss to the Detroit Lions, Neal showed out on defense. He led all defensive players from both teams in tackles with 11 total. Neal would also add two tackle for losses, and a sack. If he can keep this type of play up, Keanu Neal can become a premier safety in the league.

This was by far his best game in three seasons. Obviously, that has more to do with his injury history than it does his play on the field. When he is healthy, is among the league’s best defenders.

Hayden Hurst

Hayden Hurst was another winner of week seven for the Atlanta Falcons. Hayden Hurst finished Sunday’s game with his second-best performance as a Falcon. Finishing the game with six catches for 68 yards on seven targets, Hayden did more than what shows up in the box score.

Hurst showed his ability to work the middle of the field, as well as the sideline.

The other big game Hurst had was in week two versus Dallas when Julio Jones was not healthy, meaning there were more targets to go around. This was Hayden Hurst’s first big game while also having a healthy Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley on the field, meaning he is starting to find a place in this offense.

The three of them have an opportunity to replicate what the Atlanta Falcons had when Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, and Julio Jones were all on the roster together.

Yes, this is a tough year for the Falcons, but there is good in each game – if you look hard enough.