It was a game of runs between the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers. After falling behind 14-3 early on, it looked like the Falcons were toast. That's when they went on a furious 23-0 run, taking a 26-14 lead into the fourth quarter. The Niners rallied, and just when it looked like Atlanta was about to collapse their defense got the biggest play of the season from a rookie to save the day. The Falcons went on to win 29-20.

Here's a quick review of the game for the Falcons' offense, defense and special teams units.

Offense

Normally, running back Bijan Robinson is in the starring role for Atlanta's offense. Instead, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees broke out a hell of a tendency breaker by embracing an aggressive passing attack on first down. It worked.

Starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had his best game yet this season, going 25/34 for 213 yards, three touchdowns, no turnovers and a passer rating of 118.9. As per usual, wide receiver Drake London led the passing attack, reeling in seven of 10 targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. Tight ends Kyle Pitts and Tanner Muse chipped in scores of their own.

As for Robinson, it was a relatively quiet day on the ground, if there is such a thing for No. 7. Robinson carried the ball 20 times, totaling 63 yards (3.2 yards per attempt) and was held out of the end zone. Bijan did chip in 59 more yards on five catches, though. With backup Brian Robinson Jr. out there wasn't much going on in the rushing department. As a team Atlanta managed just 82 yards on the ground.

Defense

With practically all of their wide receivers out due to injury, the Niners made no pretense about their strategy: give the ball to Christian McCaffrey and get out of the way. Early on it went swimmingly for them, but McCaffrey suffered a calf injury in the second quarter that slowed him down. McCaffrey still managed to go off for 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.

However, the Niners' passing game suffered with so many weapons out. MVP favorite Brock Purdy posted a line of 27/40 for 288 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions - the second of which went to rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels. He made a great play on the ball, extending and getting vertical for a defelction, then brought it down for a big return. Daniels also recovered the final fumble by George Kittle to seal the game.

Special teams

After fumbling two returns last week, rookie receiver Zachariah Branch had a triumphant comeback in his return specialist role. In his first kickoff return he managed 61 yards. The Falcons got 65 more on two from Khalil Herbert. Nick Folk made all three of his field goal attempts, but a 21-yard punt by Jake Bailey late in the game almost cost the Falcons dearly.