Key takeaway: James Pearce Jr. may not have had eye-catching plays (see safety DeMarcco Hellams below), but the rookie edge rusher’s presence was definitely felt by the Lions. Whenever Pearce lined up outside, Detroit had multiple players block him, pulling over an offensive lineman to work alongside a tight end in hopes of keeping Pearce out of the backfield. Or, the Lions just ran the ball the opposite way of Pearce. That says a lot about how opponents already are viewing the Falcons’ first-round draft pick, and it’s something Atlanta has been missing.
Key moment: During the second quarter, Detroit faced second-and-8 at the Atlanta 11-yard line when Falcons edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie got around Lions right tackle Mason Miller to sack quarterback Hendon Hooker. In the process of his takedown, Ebiketie forced a fumble out of Hooker. Falcons defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham recovered it. The unfolding of this play alone shows what the Falcons have been prioritizing this offseason and working on this preseason: rushing the passer and forcing turnovers.