Desmond Ridder's Atlanta Falcons Trail C.J. Stroud's Houston Texans at Half

A full rundown of action from the first half of the Atlanta Falcons' Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans.

The Atlanta Falcons will head to halftime with plenty of work to do, trailing the Houston Texans 9-7 in Sunday's game inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Entering the contest, many questions surrounded the Falcons' ability to start fast, as they've scored just three first half points in the last two weeks and 19 such points this season.

Early indications weren't promising, as Atlanta's offense went three-and-out and the defense allowed a field goal on the game's first two possessions.

But the Falcons settled down, posting a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped off by a seven-yard rushing score from quarterback Desmond Ridder.

It was Atlanta's first touchdown in the first half since Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, but the offense was held in check for the remainder of the half.

The Falcons had another opportunity inside of two minutes, but center Drew Dalman was called for a personal foul after a third-down play, which pushed them out of field goal range.

Defensively, Atlanta allowed three field goals to kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn, bending but not breaking against an efficient Houston aerial attack.

Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 14 of 22 passes for 173 yards, but the Falcons' rushing defense proved stout, limiting Houston to only 16 yards on nine attempts.

Ridder had a solid opening 30 minutes, going 10 of 16 for 121 yards, no turnovers and no sacks while adding the rushing score on his lone carry.

Desmond Ridder had a turnover-free first half after two in last week's loss / USA Today Sports

Apart from Ridder's touchdown, Atlanta struggled getting the ground game rolling, as running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier combined for just 28 yards on 15 carries.

The Falcons were led in the receiving game by tight end Kyle Pitts, who caught three passes for 39 yards. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith also hauled in three passes, gaining 36 yards.

Of note, veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson and fullback Keith Smith both caught passes for their first offensive touches this season, the former recording seven yards and the latter posting 28.

The Texans will receive the kickoff to start the second half, leaving the Falcons will plenty of work to do in order to get back in the win column.