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3 Atlanta Falcons that stepped up in season opening loss to Saints

By Nick Halden

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) on the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) on the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs against New Orleans Saints cornerback Bradley Roby (21) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs against New Orleans Saints cornerback Bradley Roby (21) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Cordarrelle Patterson

When the Atlanta Falcons offense was moving the football it was either Drake London or Cordarrelle Patterson making things happen. Damien Williams was forced out of the game early leaving Patterson to carry the load and the utility player responded with 120-rushing yards and a touchdown. He added in 3-catches for 16-yards in the passing game doing everything possible to set Atlanta up for a win.

The Falcons should have let Patterson decide this game late with a 4th and short after Marcus Mariota mishandled the snap and fell at the line of scrimmage on 3rd and short the Falcons elected to punt at midfield. If the Falcons handed the ball to Patterson it is hard to argue the defense could have stopped him from getting the first down and allowing the Falcons to drain the remaining clock.

Cordarrelle stepped up and showed he is more than capable of being a starting running back without playing the utility role he did last season. What made Patterson’s yards so impressive is how many came after contact and the punishment he delivered to anyone brave enough to wrap him up.  Patterson continues to be one of the bright spots for an Atlanta offense that again was unable to make THE play to win late.

Grading Atlanta at each position. dark. Next

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