Bair: Early-season issues troubling Falcons cost them vs. Detroit Lions

Inconsistency hurting Falcons during the first few weeks was especially difficult to overcome without a productive rushing attack.

Sep 24, 2023 at 06:28 PM

Scott Bair

Falcons Digital Managing Editor

DETROIT – The Falcons won their first two games of this regular season but countered praise for their efforts postscript. Positive results are always good, but they knew they could play get a whole lot better.

It's always easier, the old cliché goes, to fix things after a win.

They won't have that luxury this time around. There's also some sense of urgency to getting it right after learning an important lesson in Detroit.

They must get better to deal with some of the NFL's best, especially while playing away from a recently rocking Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That was clear in a 20-6 loss to the Lions at Ford Field, which was loud as heck during Sunday's Week 3 clash.

The Falcons struggled with some of the same issues faced in two straight wins but couldn't overcome them against a talented but banged-up Lions team missing some key components.

They knew they needed to level up heading into Week 3. They also acknowledged that they didn't do that in a big early-season showdown.

The Falcons are always honest after tough losses, bringing objectivity and candor to proceedings while processing fresh disappointment. That's not always easy, but Sunday's postgame press conferences brought up a difficult truth.

"I wouldn't say it's a rude awakening, more so just a test. Obviously, we went out there and failed that test," Quarterback Desmond Ridder said. "We were prepared, but we couldn't get anything going. It wasn't like we were just shocked by what happened. We weren't executing well enough and that's what the end result comes to."

The Falcons struggled offensively, getting off track with negative plays on early downs. That led to some obvious passing situations, which spelled trouble against a talented Lions front. Detroit had seven sacks and generated plenty of pressure with protection an issue (as it was early in Week 1) and Ridder said he should've done a better job getting rid of the ball.

The passing game never found a rhythm, an issue that was magnified by a rare instance where the Falcons struggled to move the ball on the ground.

A steady run game typically keeps the Falcons in manageable situations, with an explosive quality that can take some pressure off the quarterback or assert dominance when other aspects aren't going right. With that, and a negative game script, the team's inability to find a rhythm in the air was an issue in this one.

All that led to lackluster offensive production, to the tune of 2.8 yards per play.

So was a lack of steadiness in the pass rush. When the Falcons were able to affect Lions quarterback Jared Goff, he struggled to consistently move the ball down the field. When Detroit's pocket was clean, Goff took yards in chunks.

There was one universal factor, Ridder and head coach Arthur Smith noted, that had an impact on this one.

Inconsistency.

The Falcons haven't been truly steady in any phase through three weeks, especially in the passing game and pass defense. One particularly notable trend: they haven't performed well early on, but have found ways to turn it on near the halftime break and at the end of games. They overcame such issues in the first two outings and were able to pull out wins. In Week 3, it got them in trouble; they couldn't escape.

"You're looking for that consistency coming out every week," Smith said. "Give Detroit credit. It's on all of us, and it starts with me. Thankfully it only counts as one game. We've got to get back to work tomorrow."

No game is perfect, but the Falcons must be better more often against tough competition. They've got another quality team up next on the schedule, with Jacksonville set to meet them in London. If they can't remedy these issues we're discussing, the Falcons could very well come back across the Atlantic a .500 team.

The Jaguars are good. The Falcons must improve to meet that challenge.

"Thankfully we're 2-1," Smith said. "We've got to handle that environment better. We'll be objective when look at the tape and fix things as move forward. Clearly it wasn't good enough today."

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 make a tackle during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 carries the ball during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 looks to pass during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 rushes during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah #1 during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 rushes during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 prepares to take a snap during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 runs a route during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell #93 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 sign in the crowd prior to the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 pursues the ball carrier during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55, cornerback Dee Alford #20, and inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 make a tackle during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 rushes the quarterback during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3makes a tackle during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 reacts during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bud Dupree #48 reacts during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Flag team prior to the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Players take the field prior to the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Players take the field prior to the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Coin toss prior to the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Punt team lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 covers a punt during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 returns a punt during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a pass during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell #93 looks on during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell #93 and linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 make a tackle during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 lines up during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 rushes the quarterback during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after a catch during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 and cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 react during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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General view of fans prior to the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 makes a tackle during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 lines up during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the sideline during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 throws a pass during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 prepares to take a snap during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 reacts after a tackle during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 hands off to running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 rushes during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 takes a snap during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Defensive line during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 reacts after a tackle during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 makes a tackle during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 reacts after kicking a field goal during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bud Dupree #48 rushes the quarterback during the second quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 rushes during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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General view of fans during the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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General view of fans during the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 rushes during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 reacts after a first down during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bud Dupree #48 rushes the quarterback during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 prepares to take a snap during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Timmy Horne #98 rushes the quarterback during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 and defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0 rushes the quarterback during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tre Flowers #33 defends during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bud Dupree #48 hits the quarterback during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 lines up during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 scrambles during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell #93 looks on during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 reacts after an interception during the second half of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 reacts after an interception during the fourth quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Scotty Miller #16 runs down field during the second half of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 rushes the quarterback during the third quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 attempts to catch a pass during the second half of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 celebrates after an interception during the second half of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 runs after a catch during the fourth quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 is tackled after catching a pass during the fourth quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end MyCole Pruitt #85 runs after a catch during the fourth quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 runs after a catch during the fourth quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Atlanta Falcons)

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General view of fans during the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after a catch during the fourth quarter of the Week 3 Game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Bair: Early-season issues troubling Falcons cost them vs. Detroit Lions

Inconsistency hurting Falcons during the first few weeks was especially difficult to overcome without a productive rushing attack.

Game Photos | Week 3 Falcons at Lions

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