Atlanta Falcons Edge New York Jets: 3 Takeaways from Week 13 Win
The Atlanta Falcons now have two straight wins under their belt with the 13-8 victory over the New York Jets in a defensive slugfest. The win now improves the Falcons to .500 on the season at 6-6 while keeping them atop the NFC South division.
So, before the Falcons turn the page to preparations for their next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, here are three takeaways.
Turnovers Prove Critical
Like last week's win over the New Orleans Saints, takeaways seemed to be the deciding factor that pushed the Falcons over the Jets. After a pick-six from veteran safety Jessie Bates gave the Falcons an early lead on the Saints, a forced fumble by Nate Landman gift-wrapped the offense's points on Sunday.
The Falcons started their drive on the Jets' 47-yard line and found their way into the endzone just six plays later as Desmond Ridder found MyCole Pruitt for the game's lone touchdown.
But it wasn't just the one fumble that helped the Falcons' defense. Atlanta also managed to force another fumble and an interception, winning the turnover battle by a plus-three margin.
Improving Pass Rush?
Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian (14) is hit by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) while throwing the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Despite being one of the main points of emphasis for the Falcons last offseason, the pass rush has still managed to be a weakness in a defense that is otherwise improved from last season.
Although the win on Sunday versus the Jets did show improvement upfront, as the Falcons' defense finished with four sacks, the second-most they've had in a game.
While Bud Dupree led the team in sacks with two against a porous Jets offensive line, the sacks of Richie Grant and Arnold Ebiketie proved most impactful, as both came late in the fourth quarter and helped Atlanta put the game away.
Both sacks forced fumbles. However, it was only Grant's that the Falcons were able to recover.
Unimpressive Offense
While the defensive performance for the Falcons is notable, the same cannot be said of the offense. The Jets managed to outgain the Falcons in total yards, with 259 compared to 194. However, the aforementioned forced fumble Landman proved to be the major difference in the matchup.
In his second start since being benched, Desmond Ridder still didn't play up to his potential, completing just 13 of his 27 passes for 121 yards with a touchdown. Yet, it can be argued that the lack of a turnover will be a welcomed sight for the Falcons coaching staff, as that plagued him before being benched.
As for the Falcons vaunted run game, they yielded just 90 yards rushing on 34 attempts. Rookie running back Bijan Robinson led the team in rushing with 53 yards on 18 carries, highlighting an unremarkable day for the position.
