Atlanta Falcons 27-23 Seattle Seahawks: Falcons hold on for impressive first win of the season

The Atlanta Falcons won their first game of the 2022 season, with a 27-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Atlanta's offense impressed throughout, thanks in large part to a career rushing day for Cordarelle Patterson. Dean Pees defense was frustrating to watch, but stepped up when it was needed most to seal the victory. It improves the Falcons record to 1-2 ahead of a clash with the Cleveland Browns next Sunday. Arthur Smith's Falcons have a knack of turning up on the road, recording their 7th road victory in two years under his tutelage. 

The Game

The first half was entertaining for those, who love offensive football, the offenses went back and forth exchanging scores. Atlanta emphasized getting Kyle Pitts the ball early on. Pitts was the highest rated Falcon according to PFF with a 93.2 overall grade. He had a 21 yard reception, that set up a Marcus Mariota read option rushing touchdown to give the Falcons a 7-3, following a Jason Myers field goal. The Seahawks offensive line done a great job protecting Geno Smith this week, he had lots of time in the pocket to decipher Dean Pees defense. A blitz didn't get home and Smith found Will Dissly who split the safeties with a seam route down the middle for a touchdown, it was a pinpoint pass from Smith, leaving it just out of reach of linebacker Troy Andersen. A Younghoe Koo 41 yard field goal tied the game at 10 a piece. Arthur Smith's offense is really showing signs of improvement this season, a wonderfully balanced drive kept Pete Carroll's defense in disarray. Mariota done a great job converting a 3rd and 19 to Olamide Zaccheus to keep the drive alive. Patterson capped the drive off with a 17 yard scamper. Geno Smith responded magnificently, he was masterful at spreading the ball around to several of his receivers, getting Fant, Lockett and Goodwin involved, before throwing a jumpball to DK Metcalf, outjumping Jaylinn Hawkins for a game tying touchdown. 17-17. Seattle would go into halftime with the lead after a second successful Jason Myers field goal. Mariota threw an interception to end the half. A promising Atlanta drive ended with them fortunate not to turn the ball over after a 3rd down sack. Mariota held onto the ball too long which allowed the Seahawks rush to get home, Kaleb McGary recovered his fumble. Younghoe Koo tied the game. Dean Pees made half time adjustments much to the delight of the Atlanta Falcons fanbase, his defense bent, but didn't break by restricting Seattle to just a field goal after a 13 play drive. 23-20 Seahawks. A run heavy approach saw Cordarelle Patterson pop off back to back explosive runs to set Atlanta in Seattle's redzone. Marcus Mariota hit his favourite target Drake London on a slant route. London was too physical for Seattle's defense and powered in for his 2nd touchdown of the season. 27-23 Atlanta. Following a Seahawks punt, the Atlanta Falcons seemed to be destined to close out the game with another scoring drive, only for Mariota to fumble an exchange with Tyler Allgeier. Another critical mistake in a crucial moment for the Falcons QB. An inexcusable unforced error. Luckily for Mariota, Lorenzo Carter and Grady Jarrett stepped up, sacking Geno Smith on the final drive. Jarrett's sack forced the Seahawks into a 4th and 18 with 90 seconds left. Smith heaved his pass into coverage and Richie Grant came down with the interception. The Falcons iced the game on a Cordarelle Patterson run. 

Falcons MVP

Cordarelle Patterson: What a player! I have run out of superlatives for Patterson. Discounting Alex Mack, I can't think of a better free agency signing for the Falcons in the last decade. Only Nick Chubb has more rushing than Patterson this season.

Falcons Positives

The Falcons rush attack: It has been beautiful watching a Falcons offense that can rush the ball so effectively. The offensive line has done a tremendous job opening lanes for the running backs and Marcus Mariota. Arthur Smiths men are averaging 156.7 yards per game which ranks as the 5th best rush attack in the NFL.

Falcons Negatives

Marcus Mariota: Mariota continues to make mistakes at critical moments. His fumbled exchange with Tyler Allgeier could of cost Atlanta the game. He was lucky, he didn't losing another fumble after holding onto the ball for way too long. 

Pass Rush: The pass rush eventually turned up but it was non existent for the majority of the game. Against better opposition, the Falcons would have conceded more points, with such an ineffective defensive rush.

Box Score

Atlanta Falcons

Passing: Marcus Mariota: 13/20 for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception, 99.8 passer rating.
Rushing: Cordarelle Patterson: 17 carries for 141 yards and one touchdown. 
Receiving: Kyle Pitts: 5 receptions for 87 yards.

Seattle Seahawks

Passing: Geno Smith: 32/44 for 325 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, 99.2 passer rating.
Rushing: Rashaad Penny: 14 carries for 66 yards. 
Receiving: Tyler Lockett: 9 receptions for 76 yards.

Highlights

The highlights of the Falcons win is available here.

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