At 1-4, the Falcons came into this game with no margin for error. If they were going to turn around the season, this was the game to do it. The Cardinals are a rebuilding franchise with a rookie QB and a rookie head coach. Did Atlanta hold off the grim reaper? Let’s take a look at how things played out.
First quarter
The Falcons won the toss and opted to receive the ball to start the game, which seems like a first in the Dan Quinn era. Ito Smith returned the ball to the 20 and on the first play of the game, Matt Ryan connects with Julio Jones for 17 yard and the first down.