ATL Standard

What happens during a game is more significant than how it begins. An early touchdown may generate excitement, but sustained performance is necessary to maintain momentum.

This notion was highlighted in the Atlanta Falcons' Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons won the coin toss, scored an opening-drive touchdown, and eventually secured an overtime victory with another successful coin toss. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson remarked, "Anytime that those guys are put on the grass first, that's kind of challenge to us like, 'Hey, let's go set the tempo for the rest of the day.'" The Falcons have received four opening kickoffs this season resulting in two touchdowns, a field goal, and a punt.

However, Atlanta's record stands at 2-2 in these games. Head coach Raheem Morris questioned the emphasis on fast starts: "I don't like the start-fast mentality because what does that mean?" He prefers players to focus on maintaining momentum throughout the game.

In Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs, despite scoring on their opening drive, Atlanta failed to sustain momentum. This indicates that a quick start does not guarantee victory.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has experienced this firsthand. Despite being tied for second-most game-opening touchdown drives among active quarterbacks (44), he cautions against early optimism: "If you can go down and score... But I had a game (three) years ago against the (Cleveland) Browns... That was the last points of the day."

The current season has seen similar trends with only 28.6% of teams scoring touchdowns on their opening drives across 77 offensive drives in 78 games. Of those teams that scored first, just twelve went on to win—yielding a success rate of 15.6%.

While an early touchdown might offer a psychological edge for offenses, statistics show it does not necessarily translate into wins. As Cousins reflects: "I wish it set the tone... You never know how it's going to play out."