The Atlanta Falcons have moved to 2-3 on the season after outlasting the New York Jets (1-4) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, 27-20. Matt Ryan and company began the game hot, ripping off a 17-0 run over the first two quarters, and ended with a 20-3 lead at the break. However, the Jets rallied over the final two quarters and cut the Atlanta lead to as little as three points midway through the fourth quarter. But after a Michael Carter touchdown and successful two-point conversion, the Falcons were able to respond with a 75-yard touchdown drive that would be enough to eliminate any hope of a comeback.
New York's fourth loss of the season was largely thanks to that sluggish start to the game. They had just 16 yards of total offense after the first quarter and didn't record their first first-down until around the 9:19 mark of the second. Defensively, the Jets struggled to contain a Falcons offense that was without receivers Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage. Kyle Pitts put together the best game of his young career, catching nine of his 10 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Even as the team mounted a comeback over the final two quarters, the Jets were unable to get a stop when it counted. After they crept within a field goal, New York allowed multiple third-down conversions on the ensuing possession -- including a 3rd-and-13 attempt -- that helped Atlanta respond with a touchdown of its own and extend its lead. That proved to be the dagger for Robert Saleh's club.
Matt Ryan -- who became the second-fastest quarterback to 5,000 career completions in this game -- completed 33 of his 45 throws for two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Cordarrelle Patterson rushed for 54 yards on the ground and caught seven passes for 60 yards. As for the Jets, rookie Zach Wilson threw for 192 yards and an interception while completing 59.3% of his passes.
From here, both clubs will head back to the United States and enjoy a bye in Week 6.