Projecting the Atlanta Falcons statistical performance against the Lions in Week 3

Good evening! It’s time to once again take a look ahead to tomorrow’s game and talk about what kind of crazy numbers your Atlanta Falcons might put up against this week’s opponent. This time around, it’s the Lions, who at 2-0 look like they might offer the most robust challenge yet. On paper, at least.

What did I get wrong last week? I grossly overestimated how good Green Bay would be against Atlanta, though in my defense I did not realize they’d be down so many quality players. Ryan threw for almost 40 fewer yards and thankfully did not throw a pick, Austin Hooper was somewhat of a non-factor, Mohamed Sanu was a bigger factor and Julio a lesser one than expected, and Takk sadly did not get his first NFL sack. I wasn’t incredibly far off on things like carries, Vic getting a sack, and so forth, but we’ll strive to get closer each week.

As you’ll note below, I don’t think this is going to be a shootout. I think the Falcons will turn the ball over at least once—I’m hoping listing Ryan with an interception will help him continue to not throw them—and that the Falcons should be able to hold this Lions offense in check thanks to turnovers and big hits.

Give us your breakdown in the comments, if you would, once you’ve reviewed mine below.

Offense: 27 points, 330 yards

Matt Ryan: 19/25, 240 yards, 2 TDs/1 INT

Devonta Freeman: 15 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, 1 reception, 10 yards

Tevin Coleman: 5 carries, 30 yards, 2 receptions, 30 yards, 1 TD

Julio Jones: 5 receptions, 70 yards

Austin Hooper: 2 receptions, 20 yards, 1 TD

Mohamed Sanu: 5 receptions, 40 yards

Taylor Gabriel: 3 receptions, 50 yards

Levine Toilolo: 1 reception, 20 yards

Defense: 21 points, 290 yards

Takkarist McKinley: FIRST NFL SACK ALERT

Brooks Reed: 1 sack

Grady Jarrett: .5 sack

Adrian Clayborn: .5 sack

De’Vondre Campbell: 1 forced fumble

Keanu Neal: 1 forced fumble

Deion Jones: 1 interception

Special Teams

Matt Bryant: 3/3 XP, 2/2 FGs

Matt Bosher: 3 punts, 47 yards per punt

Andre Roberts: 4 kickoff returns, 70 yards; 3 punt returns, 25 yards