The Atlanta Falcons (3-2) have struggled in both of their road games this season, but something seems to click whenever the team plays at home. Sunday’s 21-19 win over the Texans helped the Falcons move to 3-0 inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With the team’s next two games at home, Atlanta has a chance to get fully back on track with a few more wins. The Falcons’ passing attack hasn’t been much of a threat this season, however, Sunday’s game was a different story.
Buy Falcons TicketsHopefully, the progress made by Atlanta’s offense is a sign of things to come. Here are our studs and duds from Week 5.
Stud: Kyle Pitts
You’d be forgiven if you forgot Kyle Pitts was the team’s starting tight end prior to Sunday’s game. Pitts was hardly a factor in Atlanta’s first four games. Following weeks of criticism, the former No. 4 overall pick put together his best game of the season with a team-leading 87 yards on seven receptions. Even though it’s just one game, it was a step in the right direction for the offense.
Stud: Drake London
Behind Kyle Pitts was Drake London, who took a step forward this week after some forgettable games early in the season. It was crucial for the Falcons to get the passing game going and they did just that with Pitts and London stepping up for Desmond Ridder and the offense. The second-year wideout accounted for 78 yards receiving on six catches. Additionally, London completed a 22-yard pass on a trick play on Atlanta’s second offensive drive.
Stud: Desmond Ridder
The criticism Desmond Ridder has gotten goes well beyond the start of this season as his name was floated around throughout the offseason as a potential concern. While those concerns may have been valid through the first four weeks, Ridder showed out in Week 5 with a career-high 329 passing yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing). Considering all of the pressure on Ridder coming into this game, it’s a great sign to see him respond with his best game as a pro.
Stud: Dee Alford
Alford finished with six total tackles, two passes defended and one tackle for a loss during Sunday’s win. While the secondary gave up some big plays, the former undrafted free agent has maintained his starting nickel corner status despite the team adding Mike Hughes and Clark Phillips III over the offseason.
Dud: Cordarelle Patterson
Patterson has simply fallen down the pecking order this season, which is such a shame because he’s been a tremendously fun player to watch over the last two seasons. Patterson only totaled seven yards on one catch and is mainly just serving as the kick returner. That’s not a bad role for the greatest return man in NFL history. For the moment, though, the team seems committed to splitting carries between Robinson and Allgeier.
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