The Atlanta Falcons ran the ball just six times in the first half. Only two of those times were successful plays. In fact, they lost yardage on half of them, including twice for running back Cordarrelle Patterson. Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi dropped him for a loss of three on one play after bullying the center into the backfield. Later, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick knifed through to bring him down four yards behind the line.
Their 18 net yards of rushing on six carries was far from indicative of the kind of running team the Falcons had been this season, nor was it a sign of things to come.