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ATL-TEN Grades: Falcons survive low-scoring affair

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 runs the ball against the New York Giants during an NFL game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Brad Penner)

Here are the top takeaways and highest-graded players from the Falcons’ 10-7 win over the Titans.

Atlanta Falcons

– Two interceptions (along with just 10 scored points) clouded another solid, yet unspectacular outing from QB Matt Ryan. He completed only one pass longer than 20 yards through the air, but would have experienced a prettier stat line if his receivers hadn’t dropped five passes.

– There may be no better player on the Falcons’ front seven right now than DT Jonathan Babineaux. He gave OG Chance Warmack fits all game and looks far more comfortable penetrating in Dan Quinn’s scheme than he ever did during the Mike Nolan tenure. There’s plenty of gas left in his tank, and his three hit/two hurry effort against the Titans proved it.

– You wonder if CB Desmond Trufant takes a book with him out on the field. He’s earned himself that kind of reputation, and teams just don’t go after him. He was targeted just twice against the Titans (one reception for six yards) and is currently the least-targeted cornerback in the league. He gets a ball thrown his way just once every 25.7 snaps, a mark higher than all of his peers.

Top performers:

DT Jonathan Babineaux (+4.0)
RT Ryan Schraeder (+3.6)
QB Matt Ryan (+2.6)
HB Devonta Freeman (+2.4)
DT Adrian Clayborn (+2.3)

Tennessee Titans

– When you’re a young backup quarterback, every start is under the microscope. For QB Zach Mettenberger, this game was a chance to show he might be worthy trade bait, but instead he disappointed. His three deep balls all landed on the turf (one was dropped, but it was still horribly underthrown) and a horrible fourth quarter decision cost his team the game. Not the kind of game tape you want out there.

–DE Jurrell Casey delivered another strong effort rushing the passer, contributing two hits and two hurries while also deflecting a ball at the line of scrimmage. This should come as no surprise with Casey grading positively as a pass rusher in every game this year.

– Described as a “can’t-miss prospect”, OG Chance Warmack serves as a reminder that no matter how good you may look in college, the NFL is a different animal. Flagged for three penalties,  beaten for a hit and two hurries while also struggling in the run game, this was not a performance he’ll enjoy watching film on.

Top performers:

DE Jurrell Casey (+3.3)
LB Avery Williamson (+2.4)
S Daimion Stafford (+1.9)
LT Taylor Lewan (+1.8)
HB Antonio Andrews (+1.6)

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