Studs and duds from Falcons’ Week 12 win over the Jaguars
It took a few weeks, but the Atlanta Falcons finally got back in the win column with a 21-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Sitting at 5-6, the Falcons aren’t just back in the NFC playoff hunt, they’re still alive in the NFC South with the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming to town in Week 13.
Before we start previewing next weekend’s matchup, let’s hand out this week’s studs and duds.
Stud: HB Cordarrelle Patterson
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
It is very easy to see how different this team is with Patterson in the lineup. Had he played a week ago, maybe the Falcons could’ve had at least some success against the Patriots’ defense. Nonetheless, Patterson became the first Falcons player to rush for over 100 yards in 22 games. This active streak was second longest to the Bills’ streak of 32 games. Not only did Patterson carry the ball, but he also added another 27 yards receiving for a total of 135 yards and two touchdowns.
Dud: QB Matt Ryan
(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
It by no means was Ryan’s best day. He missed on a lot of easy throws and almost turned the ball over on numerous occasions. He did throw one interception before the half. Luckily, the defense held Jacksonville in check, but you’d like to see more from Ryan. There were occasions where he stayed in the pocket for a very long time and hesitated to make a decision, although I actually liked seeing Ryan hold onto the ball and allow for the receivers to get open. However, Atlanta’s receivers haven’t had much separation all season long.
Stud: WR Russell Gage
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
It’s good to see Russell Gage involved more in the Falcons’ offense. Too many times this year he has been a non-factor and his lack of success has hurt the team’s ability to move the football with consistency. Gage scored his second touchdown of the season during a six-reception, 62-yard effort. Until Ridley returns, Gage should be leaned upon more to free up rookie Kyle Pitts, who had a quiet day on Sunday.
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