The Falcons came into this game knowing that should they prove effective in stopping star running back Chris Johnson, they'd have a great shot at the win. Well on the game's first drive, the defense was able to do just that. Jonathan Babineaux was able to tackle Johnson for a four yard loss on first down, and the Titans never really could get anything going and went three and out.
After a poor Titans punt went out of bounds on the Falcons side of the 50, the Falcons got things going with a nice 15-yard run by Michael Turner. Soon afterwards, well... Tony Gonzalez just completely took over. Matt Ryan found Gonzalez on three consecutive passing plays for a total of 39 yards, including a 17-yard strike that would give the Falcons a 7-0 lead very early in this ball game.
Coming off last week's tough overtime loss to the Saints, this is exactly how you want to start the game if you're the Falcons. Even better, the Titans offense would remain ineffective the second time around. Though Matt Hasselbeck was able to make a few nice throws over the middle against Atlanta's secondary, Dunta Robinson made a better one when he picked off the Titans QB around midfield.
So back on offense once more, the Falcons would continue their success, this time on the back of Michael Turner. An offsides penalty would keep the drive alive that otherwise would've stalled at the 40, and after a 12-yard completion to Roddy White the Falcons would end the quarter in a third-and-goal situation on the one-yard line.
Alas, the Titans would stop Turner inches short of the goal line, and Mike Smith would settle for a field goal. The Falcons now lead 10-0 after a strong start in this one.
For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic.