Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Monday, Dec. 16

I have nothing clever to say. This game was insanity, and it seemed like it was over so many times — until it wasn’t. Read on for the recap and more news and notes in today’s Falcoholinks.

Falcons - 49ers recap

OH MY GOD.

This was one of the wildest wins in recent memory, as the Atlanta Falcons strolled into Santa Clara and stole a win in the final seconds against the San Francisco 49ers. Julio Jones inched the ball across the plane with a reception in the final seconds, and while ruled short on the field, was reversed on the official review and ruled a game-winning touchdown.

This was the first meeting between Dan Quinn and Kyle Shanahan since the latter headed out west after Atlanta blew it against New England in Super Bowl LI — by far one of the most compelling storylines prior to the game. Quinn would get the better of Shanahan in a completely unexpected victory for the Falcons on the road.

I’m still catching my breath.

Julio Jones adds to his accolades

Julio Jones does everything well. Lately he’s made a habit of setting new marks in the NFL for wide receivers. In yesterday’s game, Julio surpassed Jerry Rice for most receiving yards through his first nine seasons. With his first quarter performance, Julio moved into second all-time — just behind Torry Holt.

Injuries

Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley has a history of shoulder injuries, so it was concerning to see him head to the locker room with yet another one. Takk left yesterday’s game in the first quarter, and would not return.

We’ll continue to monitor his situation as we move through the week.

Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun would also leave the game with a shoulder injury, and was subsequently ruled out in the second half.

Let’s talk 2020 NFL Draft

We moved into draft watch mode many weeks ago, when it became abundantly clear that the Falcons were not going to contend this season. With two games left this year, we’re about to fully shift gears as we prepare for the 2020 NFL Draft. Our Kevin Knight is out with a very good explainer of where Atlanta stands in the draft, and how the results over the next couple of weeks can change where they ultimately select.

Let’s talk 2020 cap situations

The Atlanta Falcons are currently neck-deep in cap space quicksand, and are in the worst position in the NFC South cap-wise. If we’ve learned anything from the New Orleans Saints (not that we’d want to, but I digress) it’s that a perilous cap position is not necessarily prohibitive to fielding a contender.

The Falcoholic Live Post-game Special

Did you miss yesterday’s Falcoholic Live Post-game Special? If so, we have the full episode right here.