The Falcons’ playoff hopes evaporated on the heels of a lousy showing in San Francisco. There were many a head-scratcher in this one, but two stand out for sure.
Hat tips
Forcing the fumble on the opening kick
An impressive start that proved emblematic of Atlanta’s season. As the commentator said, the smoke from the opening fireworks hadn’t even settled, yet the Falcons had made a special teams statement in the initial seconds of the contest.
Running back Qadree Ollison, working on special teams, forced the fumble on San Francisco kick returner JyMcal Hasty, knocking the ball lose for safety Richie Grant to recover on the 49ers’ own 12-yard-line.