Atlanta Falcons WRs 'Stepped Up' in Loss vs. Tennessee Titans

Although the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Tennessee Titans, quarterback Taylor Heinicke was impressed by how his receivers stepped up.

Sunday was a tough day for the Atlanta Falcons, who lost to the Tennessee Titans 28-23, but there were some positives to walk away with.

Starting quarterback Desmond Ridder and wide receiver Drake London got banged up and came out of the game due to injuries in the second half. Still, the depth stepped up, and backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke was appreciative.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Scotty Miller caught a touchdown late in the game against the Tennessee Titans / USA Today Sports

"I think those guys who stepped in played great," Heinicke said. "You saw (KhaDarel Hodge) catch a ball over the middle and break four tackles and get a 60-yard gain. Mack (Hollins) showed up, Scotty (Miller) showed up. So again, it's just a credit to that receiver group. They push each other all the time. Those guys stepped up pretty well."

Led by Heinicke, the Falcons offense would begin to click late in the game and nearly pulled off a comeback to overcome the 12-point hole the team found itself in to open the fourth quarter. 

The trio of Hodge, Hollins, and Miller would combine for 116 yards and a touchdown and were a significant factor in the comeback, with Miller's touchdown cutting the lead to five points late in the fourth quarter to give Atlanta a chance.

Heinicke also performed admirably, especially when considering that he found out he was going into the game while using the bathroom. Despite the unconventional circumstances, the former Washington Commanders starter came in and looked poised, putting up 189 total yards and a touchdown.

There's been no official announcement regarding whether starters Ridder and London will return next week. However, based on the performance of Atlanta's depth, the team should stand a chance at home against the Minnesota Vikings, who will be missing star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback Kirk Cousins.