Silver Lining in Disappointing Loss at Home to Seahawks: Key Player Highlights

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a disappointing 34-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20. Despite putting up 385 yards of total offense, including 230 passing yards and 155 rushing yards, the Falcons struggled to keep pace with a surging Seattle team. Atlanta’s 117 rushing yards in the first half were their most in a first half since Week 15 of the 2016 season against the San Francisco 49ers, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.

Player Highlights:

RB Bijan Robinson

Running back Bijan Robinson was a bright spot for the Falcons, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown. This marked his third career 100-yard rushing game and his first of the season. Robinson found the end zone on a five-yard run with 5:22 left in the first half, giving him his fourth rushing touchdown of the season—tying his career high from 2023. Additionally, it was Robinson’s first time scoring in back-to-back games since Weeks 10 and 12 of last year. With 143 total yards from scrimmage, this was Robinson’s fourth game this season with over 100 scrimmage yards, making it his second-best output behind his 172-yard game in Week 2 against Green Bay.

WR Darnell Mooney

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney reached a career milestone, surpassing 3,000 career receiving yards with a 46-yard effort. He finished the day with five receptions, contributing steadily to the passing game.

WR Drake London

Drake London continued his impressive run of form, catching a five-yard touchdown pass with 7:47 remaining in the third quarter. This marked his third consecutive game with a touchdown reception, the longest streak by a Falcons player since Hayden Hurst in 2020. London’s five touchdowns on the season set a new career high, as he finished the game with six receptions for 63 yards. He now holds the longest active streak in the NFL with six consecutive games recording at least six receptions and 50-plus yards.

TE Kyle Pitts

Tight end Kyle Pitts had a solid performance, leading the Falcons with seven receptions for 65 yards, his highest output in both categories since Week 13 of the 2023 season. Pitts remains a key target in the Falcons’ passing attack.

DL James Smith-Williams

Defensive lineman James Smith-Williams recorded his first sack of the season, bringing down Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith for a six-yard loss. It was the eighth sack of his career and one of the few defensive highlights for the Falcons.

ILB Kaden Elliss

Inside linebacker Kaden Elliss led the defense with nine total tackles, including three solo stops. He also registered two quarterback hits. Elliss has been a consistent presence for the Falcons’ defense this season, amassing 53 total tackles (30 solo) and five quarterback hits through seven games.

Despite these individual performances, the Falcons couldn’t overcome key mistakes and a resilient Seattle team, left them searching for answers.

Stay tuned– The Dirty Birds look to bounce back in Week 8, when the team travel to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers.