"October Action: Falcons' Setback and Braves' Nail-Biter - ATL ReKap"

Good evening everyone and welcome to the first day of October! It's an exciting time with both the MLB postseason and the NBA season on the horizon. I hope you're all having a fantastic day. Let's jump right into the action.

Starting with the Falcons. Unfortunately, they were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars with a score of 23-7 in a game played in London, England. Atlanta's star receiver, Drake London, was the standout player for the Falcons, scoring their only touchdown this morning. Quarterback Desmond Ridder went 19/31 for 191 yards, throwing one touchdown to London but also had two back-to-back interceptions in the second quarter.

Rookie running back Bijan Robinson from A&M had an impressive performance, with 14 carries for 105 yards. Tight end Jonnu Smith played a crucial role in receptions, racking up 6 for 95 yards, including a significant 33-yard run. Robinson also contributed with 5 receptions for 32 yards, while London added 3 receptions for 28 yards along with the touchdown. It's worth considering that the Falcons might benefit from a more balanced pass-run strategy, leveraging Ridder's skills.

Today's game was undoubtedly a disappointment for Falcons fans, especially considering their promising 2-0 start that took a sharp turn to 2-2. The defense put up a respectable performance, with Richie Grant leading in tackles at 11, and Nate Landman, stepping in for the injured Troy Andersen, not far behind at 10. David Onyemata shone on the defensive line with 7 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while Bud Dupree contributed to the other half of the sack.

Cordarrelle Patterson, who took the field as kick receiver, unfortunately, didn't have any opportunities to make a return as they were all touchbacks. Looking ahead, the Falcons will face rookie QB CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans next week at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 1 PM EST. Join us after the game for a detailed recap.

Now, let's talk about the Braves and their 104-58 record. In the last game of the regular season against the Washington Nationals, it was a nail-biter. The Nationals narrowly defeated the Braves 10-9, with Dylan Dodd on the mound. Dodd pitched for 6 innings, giving up 9 hits and 5 runs while striking out only 1 batter. Given his inconsistent performance, it's possible we may not see much of Dodd next season, and he might find himself back in the minors or even potentially DFA'd.

The bullpen will need to step up their game. Brad Hand conceded 2 runs, and Tonkin gave up another 3 in the top of the 9th. The Braves have 6 days to get these players back in top form for NLDS Game 1 on October 7th.

To ensure our key players, Ronald Acuña and Matt Olson, are in prime condition for the postseason, they only took 1 AB today. Kevin Pillar substituted for Acuña in right field, and Nicky Lopez took over for Olson at 1B.

The Braves demonstrated their strength early in the game. Matt Olson's single to right field brought Albies and Riley home, putting 2 on the board. In the third inning, DH Marcell Ozuna sent one deep into center field, leveling the game at 5-5 and bringing in Albies and Lopez. Ozuna has been instrumental in the Braves' offensive prowess, hitting a homer in the bottom of the 9th, marking his 40th this season and tying the Braves with the 2019 Twins' home run record at 307. A truly monumental moment for the team.

With the regular season now concluded, we look forward to the Wild Card games starting on Tuesday. The Braves will face either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Miami Marlins in the NLDS, commencing on Saturday. Stay tuned for daily Braves updates as we get closer to the NLDS.