Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys: 2015 Week 3 Recap

Game story

In Week 3 of the 2015 NFL season on 2015-09-27, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Dallas Cowboys, pulling away with a 39–28 final that built a comfortable lead.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) paced the passing game, with +16.77 total EPA, and +0.9% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.77 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+12.9% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (:26) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles up the middle to DAL 36 for 18 yards (50-S.Lee).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +16.77 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
2. 2 J. Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +10.78 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
3. 3 D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +5.23 total EPA · 30 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
4. 4 B. Weeden · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +4.61 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
5. 5 C. Beasley · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.49 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
6. 6 L. Dunbar · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.04 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
7. 7 J. Randle · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.98 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.99 EPA/play
8. 8 D. Freeman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +1.69 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• Dallas Cowboys — J. Randle (Q1 59:03)
• Dallas Cowboys — J. Randle (Q1 52:12)
• Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman (Q1 48:05)
• Dallas Cowboys — D. McFadden (Q2 37:31)
• Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman (Q2 32:23)
• Dallas Cowboys — J. Randle (Q2 30:46)
• Atlanta Falcons — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass) (Q3 22:16)
• Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman (Q4 11:30)
• Atlanta Falcons — J. Jones (M. Ryan pass) (Q4 3:09)

Field goals

• Atlanta Falcons — M. Bryant (Q2 30:05)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the ATL 37 (Q1 59:03) — (14:03) 21-J.Randle right end for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Randle orginally ran off tackle before changing course and running around the end.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 58:52) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q1 52:12) — (7:12) 21-J.Randle up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q1 52:07) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DAL 3 (Q1 48:05) — (3:05) 24-D.Freeman left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q1 48:00) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–10. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the ATL 2 (Q2 37:31) — (7:31) 20-D.McFadden left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 37:25) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DAL 2 (Q2 32:23) — (2:23) (Shotgun) 24-D.Freeman up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q2 32:18) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the ATL 1 (Q2 30:46); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 30:40) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the DAL 14 (Q2 30:05) — (:05) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 8–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DAL 45 (Q3 22:16) — (7:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a post pattern.; Atlanta Falcons registered a safety from the DAL 2 (Q3 22:05) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 80-L.Toilolo is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DAL 7 (Q4 11:30) — (11:30) 24-D.Freeman up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q4 11:25) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the DAL 2 (Q4 3:09); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q4 3:04) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 15:26) — (:26) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan scrambles up the middle to DAL 36 for 18 yards (50-S.Lee). [WPA +12.9% · EPA +2.55]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 22:16) — (7:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a post pattern. [WPA +11.8% · EPA +4.96]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q2 36:03) — (6:03) 3-B.Weeden pass short left intended for 82-J.Witten INTERCEPTED by 25-W.Moore [54-N.Stupar] at DAL 34. 25-W.Moore to DAL 23 for 11 yards (70-Z.Martin). [WPA -9.8% · EPA -5.18]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 10:04) — (10:04) (Shotgun) 3-B.Weeden sacked at DAL 18 for -9 yards (44-V.Beasley). [WPA -9.4% · EPA -2.22]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q4 11:30) — (11:30) 24-D.Freeman up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +8.1% · EPA +1.53]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Dallas Cowboys (Q2 36:03) — (6:03) 3-B.Weeden pass short left intended for 82-J.Witten INTERCEPTED by 25-W.Moore [54-N.Stupar] at DAL 34. 25-W.Moore to DAL 23 for 11 yards (70-Z.Martin). [WPA -9.8% · EPA -5.18]
• Atlanta Falcons (Q3 22:16) — (7:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a post pattern. [WPA +11.8% · EPA +4.96]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q1 59:03) — (14:03) 21-J.Randle right end for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Randle orginally ran off tackle before changing course and running around the end. [WPA +6.5% · EPA +3.17]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 1:34) — (1:34) (Shotgun) 3-B.Weeden pass incomplete short middle to 83-T.Williams. Pass incomplete on a slant pattern. [WPA -1.1% · EPA -2.76]

Quarterback report card

M.Ryan led all passers in efficiency for Atlanta Falcons, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 43 dropbacks · 55.8% completion · +0.9% CPOE · +0.39 EPA/play · +16.77 total EPA
• B.Weeden (Dallas Cowboys) · 31 dropbacks · 71.0% completion · +12.6% CPOE · +0.15 EPA/play · +4.61 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.23 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Atlanta Falcons: 11 drives, +20.67 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• Dallas Cowboys: 10 drives, +6.06 total EPA, 4 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• Atlanta Falcons leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
• M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• B. Weeden (DAL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 59:03 · ATL 37 · Score 0-6
   (14:03) 21-J.Randle right end for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Randle orginally ran off tackle before changing course and running around the end.
2. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 58:52 · ATL 15 · Score 0-7
   5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
3. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 52:12 · ATL 1 · Score 0-13
   (7:12) 21-J.Randle up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
4. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 52:07 · ATL 15 · Score 0-14
   5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
5. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q1 48:05 · DAL 3 · Score 6-14
   (3:05) 24-D.Freeman left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
6. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q1 48:00 · DAL 15 · Score 7-14
   3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
7. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 37:31 · ATL 2 · Score 7-20
   (7:31) 20-D.McFadden left end for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 37:25 · ATL 15 · Score 7-21
   5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
9. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 32:23 · DAL 2 · Score 13-21
   (2:23) (Shotgun) 24-D.Freeman up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 32:18 · DAL 15 · Score 14-21
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
11. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 30:46 · ATL 1 · Score 14-27
    (:46) 21-J.Randle up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on th
12. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 30:40 · ATL 15 · Score 14-28
    5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-6-C.Jones.
13. Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q2 30:05 · DAL 14 · Score 17-28
    (:05) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
14. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q3 22:16 · DAL 45 · Score 23-28
    (7:16) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass deep right to 11-J.Jones for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete on a post pattern.
15. Atlanta Falcons Safety (+2) — Q3 22:05 · DAL 2 · Score 25-28
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Ryan pass to 80-L.Toilolo is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
16. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 11:30 · DAL 7 · Score 31-28
    (11:30) 24-D.Freeman up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
17. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 11:25 · DAL 15 · Score 32-28
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
18. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 3:09 · DAL 2 · Score 38-28
    (3:09) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 11-J.Jones for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Pass complete near right corner of the end zone off fake handoff to the left an
19. Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 3:04 · DAL 15 · Score 39-28
    3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.