Stars and losers in the Falcons’ loss to the Chiefs in prime time

Three weeks in, it’s hard to know what to make of the 1-2 Atlanta Falcons. Even with one of the easiest schedules in the league, we knew the team’s first few games would be extremely tough. In Week 3, the Falcons had the Kansas City Chiefs on edge but couldn’t land the decisive blow.

Atlanta needed a yard on fourth down with the game hanging in the balance, but the Chiefs managed to stop the ball in front of a national television audience on Sunday night. There were some positives and negatives to the Falcons’ 22-17 loss to Kansas City. Let’s go over the good and the bad of our Week 3 stars and losers:

STUD: Justin Simmons

Not only does Simmons deserve credit for setting an NFL record with six interceptions against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but the Pro Bowl safety also helped prepare his teammates by telling them what to expect against the Chiefs offense. Overall, the defense played well enough to win, and Simmons set the tone early by intercepting Mahomes in the red zone. It’s a long season, and what we’ve seen from Simmons, Jessie Bates and the rest of Atlanta’s secondary is encouraging. Simmons now has 31 career interceptions (six against Mahomes).

DUD: The entire Falcons offensive line

The Falcons needed strong play from their offensive line to beat the Chiefs, and they didn’t get that on Sunday. Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron struggled with pressure and couldn’t get much done in the running game. Atlanta suffered two key injuries: right tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman. The team made good plays to offset the weak offensive line play, but you can’t hide forever against such a strong defense. I know the injuries didn’t help, but this group is too talented to look that inept. You have to give Kansas City’s front four credit for clearly outplaying Atlanta’s offensive line.

STUD: Troy Andersen

Andersen was everywhere on Sunday, leading both teams with 12 total tackles (seven solo). The Falcons’ defense had a few slip-ups, but that’s to be expected against an offense the Chiefs’ caliber. Andersen and Kaden Elliss have played well together over the first three games. Atlanta’s former second-round pick has a good combination of toughness and athleticism, and both were on display tonight. With Nate Landman on the injured list, it’s nice to see Andersen playing to his potential.

DUD: Referee

There were bad calls in key situations, compensatory calls and more evidence that the NFL has problems officiating Chiefs games. Kyle Pitts was clearly held on a touchdown that could have changed the course of the game. Overall, the Falcons did not lose because of the referees and had every chance to win despite questionable calls. Although both teams called six penalties, it is the referee’s inability to make the right calls in the crucial moments that continues to vex the rest of the NFL. It is not an easy task, however, and the NFL would be better served training the referees throughout the year to improve the quality of the game.

Falcons Twitter reacts to Week 3 loss

Falcons fans showed a wide range of emotions after Sunday night’s loss. While some were angry at the referees, others blamed Atlanta’s play and some were happy to see the team fight back against the defending Super Bowl champions. Check out the best Falcons Twitter reactions from Week 3.

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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Stars and losers in Falcons’ primetime loss to Chiefs