Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA, GA — The Baltimore Ravens broke open a close game with 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 31-13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Falcons struggled offensively throughout the contest, managing just 224 total yards while quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

Atlanta got off to a promising start when linebacker Divine Deablo recovered a fumble and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. The defensive score gave the Falcons an early 7-0 advantage, but it would be their only touchdown of the afternoon.

Baltimore answered in the second quarter when Lamar Jackson connected with Rashod Bateman on a 14-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. Nick Folk then drilled a 52-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, giving Atlanta a 10-7 lead heading into the locker room.

The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Ravens defender Jaylinn Hawkins intercepted Penix and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown, putting Baltimore ahead 14-10.

Folk connected on a 23-yard field goal later in the quarter to pull Atlanta within a point, 14-13, setting up what appeared to be a tight finish.

But the fourth quarter belonged entirely to Baltimore.

Jackson connected with Derrick Henry on a 5-yard touchdown pass early in the quarter to extend the Ravens' lead to 21-13. Tyler Loop added a 23-yard field goal before Jackson found Daniel Bellinger for an 8-yard touchdown with five minutes remaining, putting the game out of reach.

Jackson finished with 223 passing yards and three touchdowns, completing 22 of 32 attempts with one interception. Baltimore's offense controlled the game with 444 total yards, including 221 rushing yards on 40 carries.

Penix completed 18 of 29 passes for 155 yards but failed to throw a touchdown while tossing three interceptions. Atlanta's offense struggled to establish any consistency, finishing with just 88 rushing yards and converting four of 10 third-down opportunities.

The Ravens also dominated the offensive play count, running 72 plays compared to Atlanta's 47.

As it stands… The Falcons will need to address their offensive struggles and costly turnovers after entering the fourth quarter trailing by just one point and allowing Baltimore to score 17 unanswered points to close the game.