Falcons vs. Chiefs: Final Report Cards, Player Grades for Atlanta's Week 1 Game

The Falcons defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-24. They relied on big plays by the defense combined with impeccably good offense to dominate a team that could end up winning the AFC West this season.

The following information is the scoring summary for the game:

The Falcons took the initial drive to the endzone capping a 12 play, 80-yard drive with an eight yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Julio Jones. Falcons 7-0.

The Chiefs initial drive led to points as well. However, they only finished with a field goal after converting two third downs. Falcons up 7-3.

The Falcons had their second drive end in a field goal after going three-and-out after a tremendous kickoff return. Falcons up 10-3.

The Chiefs capped off a 75-yard drive with a touchdown pass from Matt Cassel to Kevin Boss to tie the game up. Game Tied 10-10.

After a 73-yard drive, the Falcons scored on a 14 yard screen play to Julio Jones. Falcons up 17-10.

After an 80-yard drive, the Chiefs scored on a five-yard Matt Cassel run right up the middle. Game Tied 17-17.

The Falcons scored a field goal after driving down 77 yards. Falcons up 20-17.

The Falcons capped off a 70-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run by Matt Ryan. Falcons up 27-17.

After a brilliant John Abraham sack, the Falcons took over at the seven yard line. Ryan tossed it to Gonzalez for the easy score. Falcons up 34-17.

The Falcons capitalized on the second turnover of the game kicking a field goal at the end of the drive. Falcons up 37-17.

The Falcons have scored all three turnovers so far today with another Matt Bryant field goal. Falcons up 40-17.

The Chiefs scored a rushing touchdown in garbage time with Shaun Draughn. Falcons win 40-24.

Starters and Inactives for Today's Game.

The Falcons starters and inactives as announced by Dan Levak on AtlantaFalcons.com:

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Starters and Inactives for the Falcons as they open the season in Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs

FALCONS INACTIVES

4 QB Dominique Davis

26 S Charles Mitchell

27 CB Robert McClain

61 C Joe Hawley

76 OT Lamar Holmes

90 DE Lawrence Sidbury

96 DE Jonathan Massaquoi

FALCONS OFFENSIVE STARTERS:

11 WR Julio Jones

72 LT Sam Baker

63 LG Justin Blalock

62 C Todd McClure

75 RG Garrett Reynolds

77 RT Tyson Clabo

88 TE Tony Gonzalez

84 WR Roddy White

2 QB Matt Ryan

33 RB Michael Turner

42 FB Mike Cox

FALCONS DEFENSIVE STARTERS:

55 DE John Abraham

94 DT Peria Jerry

95 DT Jonathan Babineaux

93 DE Ray Edwards

56 WLB Sean Weatherspoon

52 MLB Akeem Dent

54 SLB Stephen Nicholas

23 CB Dunta Robinson

20 CB Brent Grimes

25 S William Moore

28 S Thomas DeCoud

FALCONS SPECIAL TEAMS STARTERS:

3 K Matt Bryant

5 KO Matt Bosher

5 P Matt Bosher

32 KR Jacquizz Rodgers

83 PR Harry Douglas

82 LS Joe Zelenka

5 H Matt Bosher

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Quarterback Matt Ryan: A

Overall—A

The only reason why this isn't an A+ is because he was still missing some passes high and short. However, he was dominant in this game. He made the Chiefs defense look like a Junior Varsity team with his almost 300 yards passing and three touchdowns.

Fourth Quarter—A

The Falcons were up 34-17 heading into the quarter. Ryan was able to take the team to another scoring drive and will finish his day going 23-for-31 with 299 yards and three touchdowns. He also had three rushes for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Third Quarter—A

It's hard to find faults in Ryan's performance thus far. While not perfect in ball placement or 100 percent accurate, Ryan has been leading the Falcons and picking up chunks of yardage through the air. Even his five-yard touchdown run has been the product of great decision making all game.

On the Falcons second drive, Ryan hit Gonzalez for his third touchdown of the game. Ryan finished the third quarter with an excellent line for a full game. He is 21-for-28 (75 percent) for 286 yards and three touchdowns. He also hasn't thrown an interception and has three runs for 25 yards and another touchdown.

Second Quarter—A

Ryan continued to spread the love among his receivers and continued his efficient play running the no huddle to near perfection to score yet another touchdown. He has been much improved from previous years and looks to have more zip on the ball.

On the two minute drive, Ryan used a mix of his rushing and passing to create some points for the Falcons. He finished the half 17 for 22 with 203 yards and two touchdowns.

First Quarter—A

Ryan started off the game with two scoring drives and went 7 for 9 with 79 yards passing and a touchdown. He also hasn't thrown a pick. He has looked intelligent and is leading the Falcons the way he did early last season.

Offense: A

Overall—A

The Falcons scored 40 points on one of the better defenses from last season. They took advantage of the defense missing multiple starters and continually attacked them all game. The offensive line was able to get solid push in the rushing game, however, it's obvious the Falcons are now a passing team. And the line started out allowing just one sack in the first game. 

Fourth Quarter—A

The Falcons kicked off the quarter with a six yard pass from Ryan to Douglas and then Roddy White dropped a third-down pass to force the Falcons to kick a field goal. The offense took back over and came out running from the 32 yard line for a three yard gain. Jacquizz Rodgers brought the ball to a third and one before getting stuffed in the backfield for another field goal. 

Rodgers continued to gain yards on the ground with a six yard gain to start off the Falcons second drive of the quarter. However the Falcons had a dud of a drive attempting to run the clock out, however, they didn't punt for the first time until the fourth quarter.

Third Quarter—A

The Falcons opened the quarter with an ugly screen to Lousaka Polite that was dropped and then Michael Turner got stuffed for a one yard loss in the backfield. Matt Ryan hit Julio Jones on third and 11 for a 31 yard gain on a brilliant pass right over the middle. The interior of the Falcons offensive line has been much improved in pass protection allowing Ryan to step up and make the plays.

Julio Jones went over 100 yards after a 19 yard pass in the third quarter to bring the ball into the red zone. Turner finally joined in on the action with an 11 yard bowling ball run followed by a four yard run to give the Falcons a second-and-goal at the five. The Falcons scored on a five yard run by Matt Ryan to cap the drive off.

On the Falcons second drive, Tony Gonzalez caught an eight yard pass for the touchdown on the only play of the drive. Matt Ryan hit Roddy White with a 26 yard pass and then Turner had a negative run to close the quarter out.

Second Quarter—A+

The Falcons running game has looked the part today, not getting stuffed for a negative play. The first screen play of the year was taken by Roddy White for a 16 yard game, and then a play-action pass was thrown to him for a 15 yard gain, that stood up to a coach's challenge. Between Roddy White, Julio Jones and Harry Douglas, the Chiefs are having a tough time covering all the Falcons options.

The Falcons ran the no-huddle effectively moving the chains and forcing the Chiefs defense to play off-balanced. Even in busted plays, the Falcons were still gaining yardage. Then the Falcons ran a screen to Julio Jones for a second touchdown pass.

Harry Douglas even got in on the action at the beginning of the third quarter with a 19 yard catch and run and Matt Ryan even got an 11 yard run after the play broke down in the pocket going into the two minute warning by bringing the ball down to the 37 yard line. Ryan is not just the leading passer, but the leading rusher heading into the half. 

In his first game back at Arrowhead since the 2009 trade to the Falcons, Gonzalez gained 46 yards on four catches in the first half. The Falcons offensive line allowing their first sack almost 29 full minutes into the game is a showing of their improvement this season. They finished their final drive of the half with a Roddy White catch and then finished it out with a Matt Bryant field goal.

First Quarter—A-

The Falcons opened with a running play, taking advantage of the loss of Anthony Toribio in the middle of the Chiefs defense. On third and two in the first drive, Ryan hit Gonzalez on a quick crossing route after having a lot of time in the pocket. 

Then the Julio Jones show started. He was hit with a 25 yard pass, and an 11 yard pass to put the Falcons into field goal range. Roddy joined the fun with a 15 yard catch. The Falcons offensive line looks legitimate early on to where Ryan isn't getting crushed in the pocket. The first drive capped off with a eight yard touchdown for the initial score of the game.

The second drive opened with Turner gaining four yards on a nice cut back and then followed it up with a two yard run to set up third and four. Then there was a false start play that set up the short pass to Harry Douglas on third and nine. 

Defense: B+

Overall—B+

Despite having trouble early in the game, the Falcons finished with three sacks, one forced fumble and two interceptions to close the game out. If the Falcons can continue to make plays that impact the game and tackle guys behind the line of scrimmage, the defense could end up able to win some games.

Fourth Quarter—A

On first defensive play of the quarter, the Falcons got a four yard loss. The Falcons then allowed a 13 yard run by the quarterback after gaining pressure on him in the pocket. On third-and-one, the Falcons created pressure and then Stephen Nicholas got an interception. On the third return, the Falcons kept the Chiefs from passing the 10 yard line.

In the second drive of the quarter, the Falcons started it off allowing just four yards on two runs. They did allow another third down conversion, however, at this point, it's all garbage time. The defense allowed another first down on a run, but it was called back for an offensive facemask. The Falcons continued to create pressure on the Chiefs, and the defense even forced the first punt of the game.

On the Chiefs final drive of the game, the Falcons allowed a good bit of yardage before heading into the final two minute warning up 40-17. If the Falcons can continue to play defense like this all season, they will go much farther than anticipated.

Third Quarter—A

The defense started off allowing another positive pair of runs and need to start closing the gaps on running plays. The defensive line has been getting road-graded all game and needs to hold up better at the point of attack. They also aren't creating any pressure on Cassell still and are allowing him all day to throw.

Even when they blitzed, they were playing too soft in coverage and allowing too much of a window to throw to. They were able to clamp down on second downs, but Sean Weatherspoon knocked a ball down in the gap forcing a field goal kick that was missed.

To start off the second drive of the half, Abraham forced a five yard loss in the backfield and then Jonathan Babineaux knocked down a pass at the line to force a third and fifteen where John Abraham had a sack and forced a fumble that was recovered by Kroy Biermann.

Ray Edwards got great pressure on the first play of a drive forcing another sack by the defense. This time Babineux on the sacks. Weatherspoon and the rest of the defense has been penetrating into the backfield and forcing negative offensive plays. However, they did allow another third down play to covert. However, despite the plays earlier, the Falcons tipped a pass and William Moore intercepted it.

Second Quarter—D

They opened the quarter with a bad run gain, but then Sean Weatherspoon got a sack on a disguised blitz. Then they allowed the Chiefs to convert it on third down but the Falcons have been in good coverage all day. Kevin Boss just hit a seam perfectly and was hit with the ball in stride for a touchdown. Overall, the Falcons looked overmatched on that drive.

On the second drive of the quarter, the Falcons allowed an early run to Jamaal Charles for 46 yards. Then they allowed another five yards on the next two plays. The defense needs to get pressure on passes. They continue to get eaten alive by the Chiefs offensive line.

They are continuing the same third down woes as 2011 allowing the Chiefs to convert on almost every third down play. The Falcons need to improve on their run defense and pass rushing right now. They just aren't getting pressure against Cassel and even allowed him to score a rushing touchdown.

First Quarter—C-

The first drive was marred by the Falcons unable to gain any pressure. There was a beautiful gap-shooting play behind the line by Stephen Nicholas against the Chiefs running game. However, the Falcons need to stop them on third down.

They were able to get out of the drive with minimal damage allowing just a field goal. However, they need to get more pressure on the quarterback to be successful.

On the second drive, they opened with a quick penetration and held the Chiefs to an early third and four play that was converted after a quick three step drop to Tony Moeaki before the quarter closed out.

Special Teams: A+

Overall—A+

Flawless is the only word that can be used to describe the Falcons special teams play. They have shown to have one of the best kickoff specialists and punters in the league in Matt Bosher. Matt Bryant is almost automatic on every field goal and Jacquizz Rodgers could end up with 1,000 yards returning this season.

Fourth Quarter—A+

Matt Bryant squared up and kicked the first ball of the quarter through the uprights. Then, on the kickoff, the Falcons stopped the return team before they reached the 20 yard line. On the third return, the Falcons kept the Chiefs from passing the 10 yard line. A fight almost broke out, however the penalties offset. The Falcons had their first punt of the game which was a 52 yard punt that flipped the field. 

Third Quarter—A

The Falcons had a great kickoff to start the half knocking it out of the endzone. Ryan Succup kicked the ball and it hit the bar on the Chiefs field goal attempt. Bryant kocked through his pair of point after attempts and Bosher forced multiple touchbacks to keep the Falcons in great field position.

Second Quarter—A

Jacquizz Rodgers just went over the 100 yard returning mark with his second return. He has the potential to gain 1,000 yards in the kick return game alone this year. On the kickoffs, the Falcons forced a touchback with the deep kick. Matt Bryant and Matt Bosher are earning their money this year booting the ball. 

First Quarter—A+

Jacquizz Rodgers started off the game with a quick touchback a the edge of the endzone. On the first kickoff, the Falcons allowed just an 18 yard runback. Rodgers had an amazing 77 yard return on the second kickoff. Matt Bryant was automatic in both of his kicks.

The second kickoff was returned for 25 yards and gave the Chiefs possession at the 24-yard-line. Overall, they looked ready for the game and played field position well.

Coaching: A

Overall—A

It's hard to say that a 40-24 win is not an A performance from the coaching staff. Especially since it was 40-17 going into the last five minutes of the game. The Falcons kept the pedal to the metal on offense until five minutes were left in the game and they were just trying to run the clock.

Fourth Quarter—A+

Despite being up 20 points, the Falcons are continuing to blitz and put the pressure on the defense with the varied play calling. By keeping their killer instinct, this team is making a statement today that they are more than ready for the competition around the league.

Third Quarter—A+

The Falcons have actually made halftime adjustments and have come out in the second half looking extra motivated. The defense has looked much better overall and the offense has been scoring at will. Going up 34-17 to start the fourth is excellent position to win.

Second Quarter—B-

At this point, the defense looks pretty terrible in pass rushing. Nolan needs to dial up more blitzes or it's going to be a long day for the Falcons. The offense has looked tremendous though and the special teams has been on point. 

Mike Smith made a brilliant call with a time out with 17 seconds left in the second quarter on third down. This all but guaranteed the Falcons would end the half with the ball or that the Chiefs would be forced no time for their drive.

First Quarter—B+

Despite the new coordinators, the offense and defense still looked somewhat conservative. However, the team is winning early and looks motivated for a win. It's hard to knock a staff for sticking with what works and adding wrinkles to it.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, NFL and NFL draft. He is also the Falcons analyst at Drafttek, runs the NFL draft website ScarDraft.com and hosts Kvetching Draftniks Radio.

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