Jessie Bates Shines with a Perfect PBU on Third-Down Throw to Kelce
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ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons couldn’t replicate their previous prime-time comeback, falling short against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 22-17 loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
Each recap this season will break down the game quarter-by-quarter for a quick, at-a-glance view. Starting off, the Falcons lost the coin toss (making it 2-1 this season) and received the opening kickoff from Kansas City.
FIRST QUARTER
The Falcons started strong with quarterback Kirk Cousins completing all five passes on the opening drive, capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Drake London. The seven-play, 70-yard drive was executed flawlessly.
Cousins’ precise throws to wide receiver Darnell Mooney, followed by a mix of plays involving running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III, moved the Falcons efficiently downfield. This marked Atlanta’s first first-quarter touchdown of the 2024 season.
Kansas City responded with a lengthy 17-play drive that took them to Atlanta's 14-yard line. Just when it looked like the Chiefs would even the score, Falcons safety Justin Simmons made a stunning diving interception in the end zone, marking his first pick as a Falcon and the sixth time he's intercepted Patrick Mahomes.
Despite the momentum shift, Atlanta couldn’t capitalize, managing just 13 yards in five plays before punting.
Scoring Drives:
- Falcons: Kirk Cousins 14-yard pass to Drake London; PAT good … 7-0, ATL
- End Q1: Falcons 7, Chiefs 0
SECOND QUARTER
The Chiefs tied the game with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Rashee Rice on their opening drive of the second quarter. Despite trailing in time of possession, Atlanta quickly answered with another swift touchdown drive, highlighted by a 50-yard pass to Kyle Pitts and a 1-yard touchdown run by Robinson.
Kansas City tightened the score with two Harrison Butker field goals after Atlanta’s offense struggled. Cousins nearly fumbled on a hit but avoided disaster thanks to Robinson’s quick reaction, kicking the ball out of bounds.
Injury Updates:
- Falcons RT Kaleb McGary and C Drew Dalman were both ruled out with knee and ankle injuries, respectively.
Butker’s 44-yard field goal closed the half with the Falcons holding onto a slim 14-13 lead.
Scoring Drives:
- Chiefs: Mahomes 13-yard pass to Rice; PAT good … 7-7, ALL
- Falcons: Robinson 1-yard run; PAT good … 14-7, ATL
- Chiefs: Butker 53-yard field goal … 14-10, ATL
- Chiefs: Butker 44-yard field goal … 14-13, ATL
Halftime Score: Falcons 14, Chiefs 13
THIRD QUARTER
Kansas City took its first lead of the game with a 21-yard field goal from Butker. Mahomes later extended their lead with a 13-yard touchdown pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster, but the missed extra point kept the score within reach for Atlanta.
Atlanta’s offense stalled in the third quarter, going three-and-out twice and struggling to regain momentum.
Scoring Plays:
- Chiefs: Butker 21-yard field goal … 16-14, KAN
- Chiefs: Mahomes 13-yard pass to Smith-Schuster; PAT no good … 22-14, KAN
End Q3: Chiefs 22, Falcons 14
FOURTH QUARTER
The Falcons managed a 54-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo, bringing them within five points. The defense then forced two consecutive three-and-outs, giving Atlanta a chance to take the lead late in the game.
Despite a promising 83-yard drive, the Falcons were stopped on a fourth-and-5 at the Chiefs’ 6-yard line. With just over two minutes left, they made one last push, getting to Kansas City’s 13-yard line. However, a crucial fourth-and-1 play ended in a 3-yard loss for Robinson, sealing the game for Kansas City.
Scoring Plays:
- Falcons: Koo 54-yard field goal … 22-17, KAN
Final Score: Chiefs 22, Falcons 17
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