The Falcons have been on the receiving end of several excruciating moments in NFL history, and a juncture in the 2023 campaign will be displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
According to the Titans team site, Will Levis’ debut Oilers helmet is now a memento in Canton following a 238-yard, four-touchdown performance to lead Tennessee to a 28-23 victory over Atlanta.
The former second-round pick became the third quarterback in league history to record four touchdown passes in his NFL debut. Though the October 29th contest was all about Will Levis, it was a pivotal point for the Falcons too.
It was the game that doubts officially crept into Arthur Smith’s head about Desmond Ridder. In the first half, the third-round pick threw for 71 yards on 8-of-12 passing while losing a fumble. Then, Taylor Heinicke and the offense responded in the second half. Heincike threw for 175 yards and a touchdown on 12-of-21 passing. The Falcons eclipsed their first half rushing total on the first drive in the second half, recording 37 yards and ending up with 72 rushing yards in the second half.
The Falcons only mustered three points and 89 yards of offense in the first half compared to 20 points and 253 total yards in the second half. Despite the loss, the Falcons thought they may have had an answer in Taylor Heinicke.
Unfortunately, Atlanta went on to lose their next two games to the Cardinals and Vikings, resulting in Heinicke going to the bench and Ridder starting after the bye week. It was a game of musical chairs at quarterback that wouldn’t end until the final game of the season.
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