On Sunday at East Rutherford, the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New York Jets. What did we learn from this Week 8 interconference clash?
Losers of three straight games, all vs. teams from the AFC East, the Atlanta Falcons are certainly desperate for a win and hoped to end their losing ways on Sunday against Todd Bowles’ New York Jets. The Green and White had dropped two straight games.
And those losses to the Patriots and Dolphins saw them squander 14-point leads in each of those eventual setbacks.
So when the teams met at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon, something had to give. And by game’s end, it was the defending NFC champion Falcons who rallied for a 25-20 win.
Highlights
Career TD No. 1 for TE Eric Tomlinson! #ATLvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/90xOJqKMox
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/924689600223748096
Another @joshmccown12 TD pass for the @NYJets! This one goes to @youngamazing9! #Jets https://t.co/f7zYgBEJ5X
— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2017
JULIOOOOOOOO! #InBrotherhood https://t.co/iRUHbRecvo
— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2017
What a grab!!!
— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2017
😱😱😱 @Mo_12_Sanu #InBrotherhood https://t.co/xhN0lSEIFg
Three Stars
1. Matt Ryan
When he wasn’t dropping the center snap (Ryan lost 2 of his 3 fumbles), the 2016 NFL MVP was effective in the rain at MetLife Stadium. The 10-year veteran threw for 254 yards and scores to Austin Hooper and Mohamed Sanu as Atlanta snapped its three-game winning streak.
2. Tevin Coleman
The Falcons finished with 140 yards rushing against the Jets and Coleman had more than half of it (82 yards) on 14 carries. Add in 22 yards on one reception and it was a productive afternoon for the versatile running back.
3. Josh McCown
The journeyman quarterback held his own and kept New York in the game. McCown played turnover-free football and threw for 257 yards and two scores in the five-point loss.
More fansided.com: NFL power rankings, Week 7: Jaguars moving, Cardinals declining
Odds
Despite a three-game losing streak, all to AFC East teams, the Falcons were 4-point favorites to get back on the winning track on Sunday. The over-under sat at an intriguing 46.5 entering the game.
Next Week
The Atlanta Falcons are on the road for the third straight week but face their first NFC South foe of the season as they head to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, it’s a short week for Todd Bowles and the New York Jets as they host the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.