:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52018185/usa_today_9709132.0.jpeg)
The Atlanta Falcons had something to prove coming out of their bye week, and they did just that with a 38-19 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Who’s up and who’s down in the Week 12 win?
Up
Taylor Gabriel
Who knew the impact Gabriel would have on the offense when the Falcons claimed him off waivers after the Cleveland Browns let him go for some strange reason? The wide receiver showed off his speed and elusiveness on two similarly looking screens that went for touchdowns — the first from 35 yards out and the second from 25. Gabriel finished the afternoon with four receptions for 75 yards and the two aforementioned scores.
Jalen Collins
Atlanta’s second round pick from a year ago wasn’t perfect by any means with a few missed tackles and a couple of lapses in coverage, but he was solid taking over for Desmond Trufant. It’s a good sign, particularly with there being a good chance of Trufant missing the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral. Here’s to hoping Collins’ improvement continues.
Devonta Freeman
We know what Freeman’s capable of at this point, but it’s still fun to watch him continually make defenders miss with his shiftiness. He picked up 60 rushing yards and a couple of touchdowns, with the second one from five yards out putting the game on ice late in the fourth quarter.
Down
Julio Jones
You won’t find the stud receiver here often, but Jones has to be here after he caught four passes for just 35 yards, and gave a gift of an interception to D.J. Swearinger before the first half. The Cardinals then turned the pick into three points, gaining a bit of momentum as they made it a 17-13 lead heading into halftime. Jones had a similar drop that resulted in an interception in the Week 6 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. He’s too good to have those costly drops.
Tevin Coleman
It wasn’t a fantastic return for Coleman, who missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. He did find the end zone on a two-yard run, but he totaled just 13 yards on four touches. We’ve been spoiled by some of the explosive running back’s yardage outputs this year.
Chris Chester
Just for the hell of it.
—
Who’s up and who’s down for you?