Atlanta Falcons: Beat Lions by a Finger in Goal Line Stand
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons got their third straight win to start the season winning by literally a finger and a ten second penalty on the Lions. The goal line stand looked to be a Lion’s touchdown but was changed to give the Falcons the win.
The Atlanta Falcons looked more like the team that almost lost to Chicago in this game and less like the team that calmly destroyed the Packers. It is hard to fault Matt Ryan for at least two of is interceptions that bounced off of the intended receivers hands. His three picks came after not throwing an interception since the Falcons played the Chiefs last season.
Matthew Stafford had the Lions inches away from winning and leading another comeback as he did so many times last year. With twelve seconds left the Lions threw a slant route that was called a touchdown and would have won the game for the Lions with only 8 ticks left on the clock.
The play was reviewed and after review it was determined that the receiver’s knee was down while Brian Poole’s finger was on his shoulder pad. By rule the remaining 8 seconds were taken off the clock and the Falcons were given the cheapest win that they will find this season after turning the ball over three times and coming inches away from losing.
Final score was the Falcons 30 Lions 26 and the Falcons move to 3-0 on the season thanks to Brian Poole and a nice running performance from Devonta Freeman. The defense continued to look stout despite the final score.
Ten of the twenty-six Lion’s points were the fault of the offense putting the defense in bad positions after picks.
Next: Braves Off-season Targets
The Falcons will now travel home to face the Bills before their early bye week.