"ATL ReKap: Falcons' Season Finale Frustration, Hawks' Overtime Battle"

Good evening, everyone, and welcome back to another blog on ATL ReKap. I hope you all had a wonderful first week of the new year as we welcomed the second week today. Let’s jump right into it.

Atlanta Falcons

This afternoon, the Atlanta Falcons faced the New Orleans Saints in the final game of the 2023-2024 NFL season. Unfortunately, the Falcons were disappointed by the Saints, losing 48-17. Desmond Ridder was the starting QB for the final game of the season as he went 22/30 for 291 yards, throwing 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Third-string QB Logan Woodside also played in today’s game, going 3/4 for 27 yards and also throwing an interception.

Rookie RB from Texas A&M, Bijan Robinson, had an impressive game today, amassing 131 total yards. Robinson put up 11 carries for 28 yards and led the Falcons in receptions with 7 touches for 103 yards, including an insane 71-yard touchdown. Bijan Robinson set a franchise record, having the most scrimmage yards by a rookie with 1,464. Tyler Allgeier followed Robinson in rushing with 6 rushes for 24 yards.

WR Scotty Miller, the former Buccaneer, followed Robinson in receiving yards with 2 receptions for 66 yards, including an incredible 56-yard play. WR Drake London followed with 4 receptions for 41 yards, and TE Jonnu Smith had 3 for 29 yards, as well as a 15-yard touchdown to put the Falcons on the board on their opening drive.

Nate Landman had a very impressive season after Troy Andersen went down earlier this season, being his replacement. Landman finished off the season again leading the Falcons in tackling today with 10, as well as a TFL. Safety Richie Grant also had 10 tackles along with a sack and a TFL. That’s it for the Falcons this season, and the Falcons are looking to pursue Bears QB Justin Fields in the offseason as well as firing HC Arthur Smith. Stay tuned with offseason updates for the Falcons on ATL ReKap!

Atlanta Hawks

Moving on to the Atlanta Hawks, the Hawks faced the Orlando Magic in an overtime matchup, unfortunately falling short 117-110. Trae Young led the team in scoring, putting up 31 points, going 11-23 from the field and 2-9 from beyond the arch. Like I said in the last blog, Young’s shooting percentage would most likely go up, and the drought shouldn’t be for too long. These are the numbers he puts up on an average night so glad to see that he is back. Young put up 4 rebounds, 9 assists, a steal, and a block tonight.

Dejounte Murray followed Young in scoring, putting up 24 points for the team, going 9-20 from the field and unfortunately missing both of his three-point attempts. Dejounte Murray was cooking in the first half, especially in the paint, putting up 16 points. Murray put up 6 rebounds and 2 assists tonight.

Saddiq Bey had an impressive night tonight, putting 18 points on the board for the Hawks, going 5-10 from the field and 2-4 from beyond the arch. Bey sent the game to OT after Jalen Johnson found him, who then went up to the basket with a slam with 18 seconds left in the 4th, tying the game up at 105.

Speaking of Jalen Johnson, the 22-year-old put up 12 points tonight, going 6-12 from the field, missing all four of his 3-point attempts sadly, with 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal.

Off the bench, Bogdan Bogdanovich continues to shine, putting up 18 points, going 7-17 from the field and 4-9 from beyond the arch. Bogi was playing horse this evening, going up to the rim but turning his back to the basket, throwing the ball up in the air for what looks like a reverse floater?!?! It was something you never see in an actual game and something you would do when playing horse. I love watching Bogi play, and there have been rumors that Dejounte Murray will be traded to the Lakers or any other team interested before the trade deadline on February 8th. If this happens, Bogi will be placed in the starting lineup for Murray, but I do not think the Hawks should trade Murray unless we will be getting a crucial center who can both score and get the board as we lack in that from Clint Capela.

Onyeka Okongwu put up 5 points from off the bench tonight, but he had an unreal poster on Chuma Okeke with 6:46 left in the second quarter. This slam had everyone on their feet from both teams as it brought lots of energy into the game and the stands.

The Hawks are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday at 7:30 PM. The game is favored for both teams at 50%, so this will be a good game seeing Joel Embiid up against Trae Young. Stay tuned after the game for a recap!