Atlanta finally gets in the win column as the Seahawks fall to 1-2 in a rather exciting game in Seattle. In a game that most people probably overlooked this week, the Falcons and Seahawks slugged it out with the Falcons coming out on top 27-23. Both offenses looked well prepared for this game as they combined for over 800 total yards. Geno Smith and the Seahawks offense finally got going as they tallied more points this game than they have all season. The Falcons meanwhile looked fairly similar to how they did in their first two contests just without blowing the game. They secured their first victory after picking off Smith on a desperation heave on 4th down with only 1:30 left in the game.
The Falcons Aren’t Cursed
After their first two games, one would’ve thought that Atlanta just didn’t want to win. Both times they squandered chances late in the game to win by throwing a pick and allowing a double digit comeback. Watching the game Falcons fans surely thought they were doomed to let fate repeat itself yet again. Up four and driving in to Seattle territory, QB Marcus Mariota fumbles with only five minutes left. Luckily for Atlanta, the Seahawks were unable to capitalize on this and take the lead. Geno drove his team down to Atlanta’s 24 in under three minutes. After a holding penalty and a sack, Seattle was backed up to a 4th & 18 on Atlanta’s 38. In a last chance effort Geno lets it fly right in to Falcons’ safety Richie Grant’s hands. This being the Falcons only turnover forced, it came at the right time, securing their first win.
Seattle’s Offense Gets Rolling
As discussed in this games preview, if Seattle wanted a chance to win their offense needed to find its groove. More specifically, the running game needed to improve in which it did. The Seahawks run game finally eclipsed the century mark on rushing yards as they tallied 112 on just 23 carries. Even though they came up just short in the end, this was by far Seattle’s best offensive performance of the year totaling 420 yards. The one area Seattle is gonna need to focus on before next week is their redzone efficiency. Three times they got inside Atlanta’s 15 and had to settle for field goals. Just converting one more of those opportunities into a touchdown and they most likely win this game.
Week Four Look Ahead
Coming off the win, the Falcons will host the 2-1 Cleveland Browns fresh off a win over division rival Pittsburgh. The Browns have looked very hit or miss this season. After blowing a 13 point lead with less than two to play against the Jets, Cleveland had an impressive showing Thursday against the Steelers. If Atlanta can keep up their offense and not have the killer mistake, I see them having a shot at their second win. Seattle’s road won’t get easier as they travel to Detroit to take on the second highest scoring team in the NFL. To much surprise, the Lions offense has looked good yet they still sit a 1-2 on the season. This is mostly due to coaching blunders and their defense giving up the second most points in the league. If Geno and the Hawks continue to improve on offense, look for this game to possibly be a shootout.
