The Atlanta Falcons' offense was trudging through a slow start during Sunday's game against the New York Jets inside MetLife Stadium but turned the tide after a big defensive play.
Falcons linebacker Nate Landman forced a fumble on Jets running back Dalvin Cook, and cornerback Dee Alford recovered, giving Atlanta the ball at New York's 47-yard line.
Just six plays later, the Falcons were in the endzone, as quarterback Desmond Ridder and tight end MyCole Pruitt connected for a 20-yard passing touchdown.
Here's a look at the play ...
Ridder completed both of his passes on the drive, the other a 13-yard completion to tight end Kyle Pitts in the face of pressure. Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier saw three carries for 13 yards while fellow ballcarrier Bijan Robinson added another yard.
It was a strong response from Ridder, who started the day just one of six for 16 yards with one sack taken and a fumbled snap.
Pruitt entered Sunday with just four receptions for 44 yards and no touchdowns this season; his last catch came in Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans.
Last season, Pruitt tied for the team lead with four touchdowns on just 16 receptions, but he's seen fewer opportunities thus far in 2023. Despite playing in all 11 games with seven starts, Pruitt has received only seven targets, none coming in the month of November.
The Falcons began the day leading the NFC South, holding a tiebreaker over the New Orleans Saints with both teams holding a 5-6 record.
With Atlanta leading New York and the Saints losing to the Detroit Lions, the Falcons could have sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
And with more plays like Ridder's touchdown to Pruitt, Atlanta's growing closer to putting a stranglehold on the division lead.
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