The Atlanta Falcons faced a tough preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, suffering a loss that was overshadowed by a serious injury to Lions defensive back Morice Norris. The game was called off early with over 14 minutes left in the fourth quarter as both head coaches prioritized player health over competition.

Despite the loss, Atlanta's defense exhibited impressive early-game performance, forcing multiple turnovers, including a sack-fumble from Arnold Ebiketie. However, the Falcons' offensive struggles were evident, rushing for a mere 22 yards. Emory Jones contributed 9 yards, leading to concerns about the team's ground game efficiency.

In contrast, Easton Stick made a notable impact at quarterback, completing 15 of 18 passes, including a touchdown. However, standout performances on offense were scarce, with Dylan Drummond and Chris Blair making key receptions. Rookies like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. showcased promise but were not heavily featured in the game.