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Week 7: Falcons Fall to Seahawks 34-14 as Turnovers and Penalties Prove Costly

By Chicks Into Sports / October 20, 2024

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a tough defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks, losing 34-14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct 20. With both teams fighting to keep pace in their respective divisions, the Seahawks came in at 3-3 and capitalized on their opportunities, while the Falcons, now 4-3, were left ruing costly mistakes that undermined their chances.

Seahawks’ Offensive Surge

The Seahawks’ offense, led by Geno Smith, played a pivotal role in securing the win. Smith was efficient throughout the game, moving the ball downfield and connecting on key plays, including a 31-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf just before halftime. This score helped the Seahawks take control of the game, and Metcalf’s ability to find space against a Falcons defense known for limiting big plays highlighted Seattle’s offensive versatility.

Seattle also found success on the ground, as running back Kenneth Walker III contributed with a key touchdown run. Adding to the storyline, Walker’s score came on his birthday, giving him a personal highlight in a dominant team performance.

Seahawks’ Opportunistic Defense

Seattle’s defense was just as impactful, forcing multiple turnovers that shifted momentum in their favor. The most critical defensive play came from Derick Hall, who stripped the ball from a Falcons player and returned it 64 yards for a touchdown. This play swung momentum toward the Seahawks and made a comeback much harder for the Falcons.

Seattle’s defense tightened up in the second half, particularly in key moments when Atlanta tried to claw back into the game. Despite a strong showing from Bijan Robinson, who totaled 143 yards from scrimmage, the Seahawks’ defense did enough to limit Atlanta’s effectiveness in the red zone.

Falcons’ Struggles with Mistakes

After starting the season strong, the Falcons’ performance was hindered by penalties and turnovers at crucial moments. Bijan Robinson continued to be a bright spot, racking up yards and keeping the offense moving at times, but mistakes undercut their momentum.

In the third quarter, the Falcons put together a promising 79-yard scoring drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Drake London, momentarily bringing them back into the game. However, Seattle’s defense remained resilient, and Atlanta struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several plays defined the game. Seattle’s ability to convert on key third-down situations, including a third-and-15 conversion, showcased their offensive efficiency. This allowed them to maintain drives and control the tempo. In contrast, Atlanta’s inability to capitalize on third downs and their turnovers left them scrambling.

Hall’s fumble return for a touchdown proved to be a turning point, as it extended Seattle’s lead and dampened Atlanta’s hopes for a comeback.

Post-Game Takeaways

With this loss, the Falcons fall to 4-3, highlighting the ongoing need to address turnovers and penalties if they hope to stay in the playoff race. Despite strong efforts from key players like Bijan Robinson and Drake London, Atlanta’s struggles with mistakes and inconsistency continue to be a recurring problem.

“Obviously didn’t play as well. Came out flat. For whatever reason, they didn’t play well. Those guys got the win today. Hats off to the Seattle Seahawks and what they were able to do. We’ve got to play better next week,” said Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris after the game.

For the Seahawks, the win also moves them to 4-3 and injects fresh momentum into their playoff push. The victory not only ended a tough stretch for Seattle but also showcased their ability to exploit Atlanta’s weaknesses. “Just proud of our guys,” said Seahawks Head Coach Mike MacDonald. “The message after the game was ‘Team win.’ I felt like we earned the win with our preparation Monday through Saturday. It was probably our best week of prep. The guys were locked in. Traveling east for a 10 a.m. game on our time, we had energy, focus, and togetherness—everything we needed to win. It was a complete game. Our offense responded when the Falcons scored, and special teams contributed too. I’ll be excited to watch the tape, but it was a great win. We’ll enjoy it and get ready for Buffalo next week.”

Looking Ahead

As the Falcons look to regroup after this setback, they’ll need to address their turnover issues and find ways to maintain their offensive rhythm. For the Seahawks, the win provides momentum as they continue their campaign, showing they can perform effectively on the road against a competitive opponent.

Both teams will aim to build on the lessons from this game as they progress further into the regular season. The Falcons, in particular, will seek redemption next Sunday (Oct 27.) when they face the Buccaneers in Tampa. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET.

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