Falcons Suffer First Loss vs. Lions as Desmond Ridder, Offense Sputters
The Atlanta Falcons entered Ford Field riding a wave of momentum but will depart with more questions than answers after a disappointing 20-6 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon.
Atlanta (2-1) hit the road for the first time this season but didn't see its offense travel, taking its first loss in an all-around dominant showing from Detroit (2-1).
The Falcons were outgained 358 to 183 in total yards by the Lions and never managed to find their footing, showing little resemblance to the team that's played in each of the first two weeks.
It was a difficult day for Atlanta's offensive line, which allowed seven sacks to a defense that entered the game with only one to its name.
The Falcons rushed for just 44 yards on 20 carries, their first time not eclipsing the 100-yard mark since Week 2 of last season and their lowest total since Nov. 18, 2021.
Star rookie Bijan Robinson mustered 33 yards on 10 carries while catching four passes for 27 yards. His running mate, Tyler Allgeier, saw seven carries and gained only 12 yards, a career low.
Atlanta's aerial attack wasn't much better, as quarterback Desmond Ridder completed 21 of 38 passes for 201 yards and looked inept for much of the game.
The opposite was true for the Lions, with quarterback Jared Goff going 22 of 33 for 243 yards, one touchdown and an interception, and the running game accumulating 117 yards on 29 attempts.
The Falcons were led defensively by safety Jessie Bates III, who had 11 tackles and an interception, and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who recorded three quarterback hits.
With high optimism comes the risk for big disappointment - and Atlanta saw exactly that inside Ford Field.
The Falcons will look to get back in the win column next Sunday, when they'll take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. EST at Wembley Stadium.
