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The Atlanta Falcons threw away their season today lost a nail biter to the division rival Carolina Panthers today. It was a game they should’ve won, at least on paper. The road ahead looks bleak, and Dan Quinn certainly has his work cut out for him. But there were injuries today, so let’s break them down.
Julio Jones came into the game nursing a hip injury. Jones had a key reception late in the first quarter. It kept alive a drive that would later result in a Mohamed Sanu touchdown. He was double teamed on the play and a defender fell on his left leg. He left the game for a few plays, noticeably grabbing his left calf on the sideline. He came back in the game and racked up 100+ receiving yards on the day. Julio was also noticeably limping towards the end of the third quarter, for what that’s worth.
Kicker extraordinaire Matt Bryant was nursing his kicking leg after his 53 yard field goal in the first quarter. He tried to stretch it out and iced it on the sideline. Late in the second quarter, Dan Quinn chose not attempt a field goal on 4th and 1. (They failed to convert, which resulted in a turnover on downs.)
Robert Alford got banged up during the second to last defensive drive of the game. His arm got hung up making a tackle. He was clutching it on the sideline.
Devonta Freeman took a big hit late in the fourth quarter and his teammates basically carried him off the field. He somehow returned almost immediately (smelling salts, anyone?) but this continues this year’s trend of Freeman taking vicious hits.
Your thoughts?