Five reasons why the Atlanta Falcons beat the Denver Broncos

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a call at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons proved that they are for real by beating the reigning Super Bowl Champion Broncos on Sunday afternoon.

This team is legit.

After dismantling the Carolina Panthers last week, the Falcons surprised a lot of fans and pundits alike. The win was a surprising display of offensive firepower against a bitter division rival. Although it was a huge victory, the upcoming schedule still seemed to be daunting. The reigning Super Bowl Champs were up next in the cozy confines of Mile High Stadium. The Atlanta offense and Denver’s defense seemed like a matchup of an irresistible force against an immovable object. That matchup didn’t disappoint.

What was surprising however, was that the Falcon defense was the best unit on the field today. They compiled 6 (!) sacks, 8 QB hits and limited the Broncos to 267 yards of offense. The Falcons dominated the Champs from the get-go today.

The offense was still balanced and very effective, despite the lack of a 300-yard receiving game. Kyle Shanhan has proven to be an offensive wizard with another masterfully-called game. This team has a legitimate chance to do big things this year, as long as they stay healthy. The balance on offense and the emergence of the defense makes Atlanta a true contender.

What a game though. Let’s dive into it a little deeper with my weekly 5 reasons to why the Falcons were victorious.

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons secondary coach Marquand Manuel talks with defensive back Brian Poole (34) and defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) and teammates in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Defense

I was truly worried coming into this game for the Falcons defense. They were without their 4 best linebackers due to various injuries. However, the unit stepped up in a huge way and were the catalyst for this victory. I want to commend Kemal Ishmael, Philip Wheeler and LaRoy Reynolds for their play this afternoon. The backup linebackers made plays like a true starting unit.

Over and over again they made life difficult for Rookie QB Paxton Lynch. As I previously mentioned, they had 6 sacks, which nearly doubled their season total coming into the game. It finally seemed like the pass-rush was working as a unit.

The Falcons can be a dangerous, playoff-caliber team if they can maintain this kind of play.

Next: 4. Tevin Coleman

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

4. Tevin Coleman

Coming into the game, the Falcons needed to figure out a way to attack Denver’s vaunted defense. Thankfully for them, they had #26 on their side. With Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu being covered so well I didn’t even know they were playing most of the game, someone needed to make some plays. Tevin Coleman was that guy.

The second-year RB led the team in receiving yards with 132 yards and a touchdown on 4 receptions. He also chipped in 31 yards on the ground, totaling 163 yards of total offense. It is clear he is a dangerous weapon for the Falcon’s stellar offense. He seems to be Atlanta’s poor man version of Darren Sproles. Running routes like a receiver, compounded with his tremendous speed, he is essential to this teams success now and in the future.

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) celebrates a sack in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

1. Vic Beasley

I know I already gave a shoutout to the entire defense in this article. But, I have to give special praise to Mr. Beasley. He was an ANIMAL today. With 3.5 sacks, 1 TFL and 2 QB hits Vic was the story of the game today for the Atlanta Falcons.

Fans have been yearning for a breakout game from the former first-round pick. And oh boy did he deliver against the Broncos. His speed proved to be too much for RT Ty Sambrailo and he feasted on Paxton Lynch all afternoon. The Falcons need a face for their defense and Vic made a statement today that he can be an absolute terror for opposing defenses when given the opportunity.

Going forward, if Beasley can build on this picture-perfect performance, this defense has nowhere to go but up.

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