NFL fans criticize Falcons’ plays after failed fourth down in losses to Mahomes and Chiefs | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors
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The Kansas Chiefs remained undefeated after a narrow 22-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.
While the Falcons led for most of the first half, the Chiefs stayed within striking distance before taking the lead on the first drive of the second half thanks to a Harrison Butker field goal. Kansas City then extended the lead to 22-14 on a touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Atlanta was able to cut the lead with a field goal early in the fourth quarter, but those were the last points of the game. Kirk Cousins led the Falcons down the field in an attempt to win the game, but a questionable decision on fourth and short meant Atlanta lost the ball on one down, clinching the game for the Chiefs.
After Atlanta failed on the decisive fourth down, fans were disappointed with head coach Raheem Morris, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and the Atlanta coaching staff.
Chris Vannini @ChrisVannini
The Falcons ran untackle to a side where there were more defenders than blockers. pic.twitter.com/FeMRMJJTDh
Hardcore dough @Subscribe
The Chiefs do everything they can to let the Falcons win, but Atlanta calls the dumbest play on 4th and 5 with the game on the line. They call a sweep to the outside with their slow, lumbering RB instead of one of the most athletic people on planet Earth. The Falcons deserve to lose.
The Falcons faced a similar situation a week ago when they fell behind against the Philadelphia Eagles and Cousins led Atlanta 70 yards downfield to score and win the game. The magic of last week’s victory faded on Sunday.
It was only Morris’ third game as the Falcons’ head coach, but he can already learn from it as he moves forward.
Aside from the questionable plays late in the fourth quarter, the Falcons held up well against the defending champions, which is a positive sign for a team in the midst of a rebuild. Cousins, who had a rough debut for Atlanta in Week 1, is slowly finding his rhythm, posting 230 passing yards and a touchdown on Sunday.
But the Falcons clearly still have work to do, and next week they’ll get a chance to get revenge on their NFC South rival when they face the New Orleans Saints.
