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Another game and another close loss. Story of the season. With the loss came some injuries, which is awesome.
Corey Peters went down in the first quarter with an "achilles injury." There's no use sugar coating it, I'd be shocked if his season isn't over. What's more, he had just sacked Colin Kaepernick. Peters was helped off the field, putting no weight on the affected leg. On the sideline, his emotions got the best of him, and he broke down in tears. Sean Weatherspoon was right there, consoling his teammate. That iconic image essentially defines the Falcons' season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who loves football the way Corey Peters does. That's where the tears come from. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ATLvsSF&src=hash">#ATLvsSF</a></p>— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) <a href="https://twitter.com/FalconsJAdams/statuses/415304126780547072">December 24, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Shortly after the tear-filled broment (see what I did there), Peters was carted into the locker room. It's unfortunate that Peters got hurt, but to some extent, an injury could help the Falcons retain him. He's a free agent after next week's game, and the Falcons will undoubtedly look to retain his services going forward. I guess that's the silver lining, if there is one.
A few other players were shaken up. Steven Nicholas got the air knocked out of him sacking Kaepernick's gazelle-like behind. He didn't miss a beat though, playing admirably in Weatherspoon's absence, and shockingly, looking halfway decent in coverage.
Jaquizz Rodgers got absolutely leveled, taking a helmet to helmet hit. He didn't return to the game, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's concussed. Finally Harry Douglas was downright body slammed in the waning minutes of the 4th quarter, shortly before he coughed up a Navarro Bowman interception that cemented the Falcons loss.
All in all, a fun-filled, friendly time! Two enthusiastic thumbs up. Or not. Whatever.