That was the first time the Falcons have punted on their opening drive this season.

Great read by James Pearce Jr. there to sniff out the screen and box out McCaffrey.

My first experience with this was the Braves pitching in the 90s and early 2000s, but I then experienced it with UGA's defense and I think this Falcons' defense is nearing it... There's no better feeling in sports than having the ability to shut down an offense.

ILB Divine Deablo has a forearm injury and is questionable to return.

This is the analysis I'm here for

Falcons have been the league's best defense against tight ends this season, and Divine Deablo is the main guy that makes it all happen. He's been the veteran newcomer of the year for sure.

Kaden Elliss was Mr. Do-Everything for Atlanta's defense last year. I think the biggest sign of the Falcons' defensive improvement in 2025 is that he's had a more understated, but still important role. Nothing understated about that interception, and it's a huge play.

Kaden will take that! NBC | NFL+

ILB Divine Deablo has been downgraded to OUT with a forearm injury.

The best way to take away an opponent's run game is to score points. Falcons offense needs to get into the end zone or the 49ers will hand it off to Christian McCaffrey all night long.

It is crazy the difference George Kittle has on San Francisco's run game. It's not all him, but he's so versatile and athletic as a run blocker that he enables so many different things. Plus, the dude has viking vibes

I expected that there would be a few reminders that Michael Penix Jr. is still very comparable to a rookie QB in terms of NFL starting experience. That intentional grounding was a reminder, and something he should learn from. Can't put that on anyone else.

Raheem Morris said coming out at halftime that the Falcons thought they should have had one second left on the clock after that intentional grounding penalty, but also noted it was a moment they (and QB Michael Penix Jr.) would learn from.

The 49ers' defense didn't move at all to Bijan Robinson's orbit motion there.

A great job by the Falcons in the red zone there. I know a lot of attention will be paid to the run defense coming out of tonight, but I still believe it's the scoring execution that has the biggest room for improvement.

Great catch by Casey Washington. Dude works the jugs machine every day, and it paid off for him there.

Drake London is such a dog out there on the field. Brings it on every snap.

Be sure to follow Tori and Terrin for postgame info, because any stories from our editorial group will have to wait until tomorrow.

Able to now publish our game breakdown from tonight's Falcons-49ers matchup. If you're still awake, you're in luck. Otherwise, it'll make for a great morning read. atlfal.co.nz/4o1Cj9r