A smile is such a simple gesture, yet it holds so much power. It is innately human - a universal way to convey happiness, greet one another and signal that we're nice people. Smiles communicate how we're feeling and are great for breaking the ice or awkward moments. A good-natured smile moves mountains, but if you're like the average person, it may not be perfect. And that's okay. But is it healthy?
Studies from the CDC show that 1 in 4 U.S. adults from 20 to 64 have cavities. Perhaps even more surprising is that approximately 34 million school hours are lost every year due to emergency dental care. For children, missing time could mean the difference between moving forward and being held back.
If you're one of the many people who feel ashamed about their teeth, need preventative oral care, or suffer serious issues like tooth decay, it's time to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, Merchants Walk Dental is here to serve you with the highest quality dental work in East Cobb, from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry.
At Merchants Walk Dental, your healthy teeth and gums are our passion. Our dentists and hygienists are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible in a comfortable, stress-free setting. Since opening in 2017, we have become the premier dentist in Atlanta, GA, offering many dental services such as:
As experts, we know how important oral hygiene is for your health. We feel that it's important to go the extra mile to speak with our patients about the best practices involved with brushing, flossing, and healthy gums. We know what an impact a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are so dedicated to providing our patients with cleaner, straighter teeth than ever before.
Having served Georgia and East Cobb for years, we understand that no two patients will ever have the same needs. That's why we provide personalized services like cleanings and root canals tailored to each patient's unique needs. We also know that money doesn't grow on trees, so we accept most major dental insurance plans to ensure you can keep your teeth clean and healthy all year long.
If you're searching for an expert team of friendly dentists and hygienists, look no further than Merchants Walk Dental. We pride ourselves on the best dental care coupled with warm, engaging customer service. You can rest easy knowing you're in capable, welcoming hands whether it's your first or fortieth visit to our office.
Here at Merchants Walk Dental, we understand that getting your teeth cleaned isn't something everyone looks forward to. However, getting regular teeth cleanings performed by a trustworthy dentist is the best way to maintain a healthy smile and avoid serious oral hygiene issues. And while it's easy to avoid the dentist, doing so for too long can be bad for your overall health.
Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and strokes. If you're flossing and brushing at home twice a day, that's great. Doing so is the best way to get a leg up on critical oral hygiene problems. However, getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist helps ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, healthy, and protected.
It's a question we get all the time - what is periodontal treatment? This treatment focuses on your gums and preventing the common diseases that attack them. When left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens, forming hard-to-remove tartar. This tartar irritates your gums and will eventually lead to a litany of problems like tooth decay, tooth loss, and more.
During your teeth cleaning session at Merchants Walk Dental, we'll examine your gums closely to ensure they're healthy and functional.
Each of our teeth cleaning appointments has comprehensive check-ups, including:
The only surefire way to prevent tartar buildup and, by proxy, gum disease is by brushing and flossing diligently at home. If you have been slacking on regular brushing and have not visited a dentist recently, your gums could be suffering. If you have any of the following signs of gum disease, contact Merchants Walk Dental to schedule a dental exam in Atlanta, GA:
If you have had a cavity filled before, you're not alone. Tooth decay affects more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 - a stunning statistic that, in many cases, is entirely preventable. At Merchants Walk Dental, we use composite resin fillings to keep our patient's teeth healthy and functional. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more discreet, match the color of your teeth, and are free of mercury.
While fillings can have a few uses, our doctors typically use fillings to “fill†a part of your tooth that is decaying. This hole of decay is called a cavity. Sometimes, fillings are also used to fix broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth from grinding and nail-biting. Fillings are a great way to restore decaying teeth to their normal shape and function while preventing sensitivity and inhibiting further decay.
During your dental exam at our office in East Cobb, your dental hygienist will check for signs of cavities and tooth decay to ensure your oral hygiene remains in peak condition.
Abscesses- Without professional dental treatment, infected teeth lead to dental abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Nerve Pain- When your tooth is cracked and left without treatment, it can make its way to your nerve, resulting in extreme pain and damage.
Substantial Decay- If you leave an infection to fester without having a root canal, the infection can spread to other teeth in your mouth. If you don't address the initial signs of decay, you'll have to undergo treatment for multiple teeth.
Tooth Loss- Extensive decay and trauma often cause damage to your tooth's pulp. Our root canal treatments in Atlanta remove this infected pulp. However, if you choose to ignore the problem, the infected pulp will rot your entire tooth, causing you to lose it forever.
One mention of the word root canal can send shivers up the spine for many people. Root canals get a bad rap, but the treatment has come a long way over the last decade.
When tooth decay and infection are left to fester, it can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene. Often, root canals in cityname, GA, are the best choice for patients with extensively diseased teeth. The goal of a root canal is to save and repair teeth by removing the infection from the pulp and nerve of the tooth.
Signs of tooth decay that may require a root canal include:
When a substantial cavity threatens a person's tooth and fillings aren't working, many dentists will use crowns to fix the problem. A crown is an aesthetic cap or a tooth-shaped covering placed over another tooth or implant for stability. Typically, crowns improve appearance and strength of a patient's teeth.
Crowns are also used to restore the size and shape of damaged or chipped teeth. When used for this purpose, dental crowns are usually bonded to the tooth using dental-grade cement.
During your dental exam and cleaning, your hygienist will keep a sharp eye out for signs of tooth decay, which may require a crown. Benefits of dental crows from Merchants Walk Dental include:
Restorative dental treatments can be complicated, but dental crowns are straightforward and minimally invasive. During the process, your tooth's enamel is cleaned, and your damaged tissue is removed. Once that process is complete, we'll cast a custom crown for your tooth. While the crown is created, Dr. John Bishara or Dr. Milli Patel will provide you with a temporary crown for normal functionality.
Damaged enamel or structural damage can cause pain and sensitivity. Having a dental crown installed will help alleviate a good amount of your pain.
Our dental crowns are made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. With proper care and regular check-ups, they can withstand years of chewing, biting, and grinding.
When you lose one or more teeth, whether due to decay or another factor, it's important to fill the space where the tooth is missing. That's where dental bridges come in. Bridges are essentially fake permanent teeth used to fill holes caused by missing teeth. The false tooth is fused between two dental crowns giving it the bridge concept. Dental bridges are then typically anchored to healthy teeth using resin and cement.
The health of your teeth, their position, and the state of the surrounding bone will help our team determine if bridges are right for you. If not, dentures in Atlanta, GA, might be a better option. Dentures come in two forms: partial and complete. Dentures are best for patients who have missing teeth but aren't able to use bridges. Complete dentures all your missing teeth, while partial dentures replace one or two teeth.
Getting cosmetic dentures can be a life-changing experience. It often requires physical and emotional preparation. At Merchants Walk Dental, our team will take as much time needed to consult with and prepare you for your denture procedure.
Whether you need dental bridges or cosmetic dentures, we're here to help make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Dental implants are needed when you have missing teeth, but you cannot or will not get crowns, bridges, or dentures. Failing to replace a lost tooth will cause a bevy of problems as time goes on. For many patients, dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant serves as a permanent artificial root anchored into the jawbone.
When our team puts a dental implant in place, your jawbone grafts itself to the titanium post making it as strong as your original root and tooth. The result is a natural, beautiful, fully-functional set of teeth that lasts for years.
Establishing healthy dental habits early in life is key for long-term oral health and confidence. The best way to learn those habits is at home and in a dentist's office.
At Merchants Walk Dental, our goal is to foster long-lasting relationship with the families in our community who trust us to care for their children's dental health.
When you choose Merchants Walk Dental as your child's dentist, you can rest easy knowing we treat your loved one just like ours. Our professional hygienists and experienced doctors are trained and certified to give your kids a comfortable dental experience. We like to mix fun with education, putting your child at ease while helping them understand the importance of proper dental care.
Common habits like teeth grinding and thumb sucking can have profound effects later in life. Our doctors are keenly aware of these habits, and work hard to help you and your child develop creative solutions to halt that behavior.
Our pediatric dental services improve the health of your child's teeth and gums with:
Having served the East Cobb and Atlanta for years, we know your dental needs are unique and different from your neighbor. That's why we offer a variety of dental services to address each patient's special circumstances, from standard cleanings to complex root canals. By using the latest innovations and techniques in dentistry, we can better serve each client on an individualized level, leading to better comprehensive dental care.
We're taking new patients and accept most major forms of dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy and clean without breaking the bank. Contact our office today to schedule your dental exam and learn more about our history!
770-691-5051
ATLANTA (AP) — Metropolitan Atlanta is home to the second highest number of soundstages in the U.S., including the massive Tyler Perry Studios and Trilith Studios. But many productions have chosen to shoot in and around the city itself, often as stand-ins for other locations (it’s a p...
ATLANTA (AP) — Metropolitan Atlanta is home to the second highest number of soundstages in the U.S., including the massive Tyler Perry Studios and Trilith Studios. But many productions have chosen to shoot in and around the city itself, often as stand-ins for other locations (it’s a popular double for New York). Here are some landmarks and towns you might recognize:
READ THE FULL STORY:
As the ‘Hollywood of the South,’ Atlanta has boomed. Its actors and crew are now at a crossroads
— Swan House: Part of the Atlanta History Center, this historic home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood served as President Coriolanus Snow’s mansion in the “Hunger Games” movies.
— Midtown High School: This public high school was known as Grady High School when it stood in for the interiors of Peter Parker’s school in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” but now shares a name with the fictional Queens academy.
— High Museum of Art: The high-profile museum doubled as London’s fictional Museum of Great Britain, the scene of Killmonger’s heist early in Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther.”
— Downtown Atlanta: The streets (and parking lots) of downtown Atlanta have played everything from New York in “Avengers: Infinity War” to Lagos, Nigeria, in “Captain America: Civil War.”
— Jackson, Georgia: Around 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Atlanta, the seat of Butts County is where Netflix’s “Stranger Things” filmed several downtown Hawkins, Indiana, scenes.
— Covington, Georgia: Mystic Falls, Virginia, the home of “The Vampire Diaries,” was actually the seat of Newton County, around 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Atlanta and where the town square still has a corner shop dedicated to show memorabilia. The county’s chamber of commerce has even trademarked the phrase “Hollywood of the South” to promote local business and tourism.
— Barnesville, Georgia: Drive around 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Atlanta and you’re in the seat of Lamar County — or the fictional town of Wind Gap, Missouri, the setting for the Amy Adams-led HBO miniseries “Sharp Objects.”
— Senoia, Georgia: Much of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” was actually set in Georgia, and a lot of the filming was done in the small Coweta County town 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Atlanta.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- — The butterflies Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis felt over the past two weeks disappeared Sunday.It showed as Levis threw four touchdown passes for a performance that matched what only two other quar...
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- — The butterflies Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis felt over the past two weeks disappeared Sunday.
It showed as Levis threw four touchdown passes for a performance that matched what only two other quarterbacks did in their NFL debuts. Levis celebrated the last TD on his back with his arms in the air.
Levis helped the Titans score their most points since 2021 in beating the Atlanta Falcons 28-23.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment as a kid my entire life," said Levis, who finished with 238 yards passing. "Even to just touch the field in an NFL game, let alone get a win, is incredible.”
The Titans (3-4) snapped a two-game skid in their lone stop at home in a seven-week span ahead of a three-game road swing.
“This was a big win for us, important win at this point in the season,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said with a trip to Pittsburgh up Thursday night.
This win came on alumni weekend as the Titans wore Houston Oilers' throwback uniforms down to an oil derrick logo at midfield with the old nickname in each end zone.
Levis was cheered when introduced as the starter. He became the seventh rookie quarterback to start this season, the most to start in the first eight weeks since the NFL merger — excluding the 1987 strike season. Six rookie quarterbacks started in that span in both 1971 and 2021.
The Titans quarterback became the third rookie to start in the AFC South alone, joining the Colts' Anthony Richardson and the Texans' C.J. Stroud. Then Levis joined Marcus Mariota in 2015 with the Titans and Pro Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton as the only quarterbacks ever to throw four TD passes in their debuts.
“We obviously knew he could do what he did today," Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said despite not practicing much with Levis. "And that’s how he practices. That’s how he approaches the game.”
Two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had two of Tennessee's six sacks, including a strip-sack of Desmond Ridder that the Titans turned into a touchdown. Harold Landry had two sacks as well.
A three-time All-Pro wide receiver, Hopkins finished with 128 yards and three TDs on four catches. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught Levis' fourth TD pass, a 33-yarder in the fourth with the rookie throwing off his back foot. Derrick Henry also ran for 101 yards.
Atlanta (4-4) came in atop the NFC South. The Falcons dropped to 1/3 on the road this season.
Ridder was evaluated for a concussion after being sacked five times before halftime. He was announced as having been cleared, but he didn't return.
The Falcons switched to Taylor Heinicke in the third quarter. Atlanta coach Arthur Smith, who spent 10 seasons with the Titans before the Falcons hired him in 2021, said this is why Heinicke is on the roster.
"We’re always going to be cautious, and I’ll be conservative,” Smith said of a player's health.
Heinicke threw for 175 yards, driving Atlanta to points on four of his first five possessions. He pulled Atlanta within 28-23 with 3:46 left with an 8-yard TD pass to Scotty Miller. When the Falcons got the ball back with 2:19 left and no timeouts, they turned it over on downs.
Vrabel stuck to his promise, playing second-year quarterback Malik Willis. He came in on the fifth play of Tennessee's opening series and fumbled the snap. Calais Campbell recovered for Atlanta at the Titans 28. Atlanta was held to the first of three field goals by Younghoe Koo.
The Titans stuck with the No. 33 pick overall in April out of Kentucky. He showed why they traded up for him throwing more TD passes through three quarters than Ryan Tannehill (two), who started the first six games.
HELPFUL HOPKINS
By catching Levis' first NFL TD pass, Hopkins has done that for four different quarterbacks tying Marvin Harrison and Joey Galloway for the most such receptions in league history.
Hopkins was wide open for a 61-yard catch, putting the Titans up 21-9 late in the third quarter, becoming the first Titans receiver with three or more TD catches since Kenny Britt on Oct. 24, 2010, against the Eagles. That tied Hopkins' career high for TD catches in a game.
DON'T BOO
The Titans made clear they didn't appreciate Willis being booed when he came out for a run out of the shotgun just before Levis' second TD pass. Vrabel was seen trying to quiet the fans.
Levis said that left a “sour taste in all of our mouths" and that Willis will be a big part of helping them win this season.
"So let’s just come correct next time as fans and treat him correctly,” Levis said.
INJURIES
Atlanta defensive lineman Grady Jarrett hurt a knee early and didn't return. His replacement LaCale London went down early in the third quarter with an injured knee. Fullback Keith Smith did not return with a concussion. Falcons wide receiver Drake London hurt a groin.
The Titans lost right tackle Chris Hubbard to a concussion late in the first half. LB Joe Jones hurt a hamstring and didn't return for the second half.
UP NEXT
The Falcons return home to host Minnesota.
The Titans already have turned their attention to Thursday night's trip to Pittsburgh.
------
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
NASHVILLE – On Oilers/Titans Alumni Weekend, the Titans struck oil with an electrifying win.It was rookie quarterback Will Levis, making his first career NFL start, who provided the biggest spark in the team's 28-23 in over the Falcons."It was a lot of fun," said Levis, who finished the contest 19-of-29 for 238 yards and four touchdowns, with a 130.5 rating. "Like I've been saying: This is the game I love, and there's nothing better than winning a football game."The Titans, deck...
NASHVILLE – On Oilers/Titans Alumni Weekend, the Titans struck oil with an electrifying win.
It was rookie quarterback Will Levis, making his first career NFL start, who provided the biggest spark in the team's 28-23 in over the Falcons.
"It was a lot of fun," said Levis, who finished the contest 19-of-29 for 238 yards and four touchdowns, with a 130.5 rating. "Like I've been saying: This is the game I love, and there's nothing better than winning a football game."
The Titans, decked out in Oilers throwback uniforms for the occasion, changed the subject after an eventful week, which saw veteran safety Kevin Byard traded, and starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill ruled out because of an ankle injury.
So, what did the Titans do? They showed and played one of the most exciting game they've played all season, with Levis and a swarming defense leading the way.
In the process, the Titans improved to 3-4 with the win.
"He was ballin', huh?," Titans running back Derrick Henry said of Levis. "He was playing out of his mind. It was good to see, because he works so hard. I could tell he was locked in, and we were excited to see it come together for him and the offense."
Levis threw three touchdown passes to receiver DeAndre Hopkins – scoring strikes of 61, 16 and 47 yards. He also threw a late score to receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, which ended up being the game-winner.
Levis became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw four touchdown passes in his NFL debut, joining Fran Tarkenton and Marcus Mariota.
"He's a very talented quarterback, confident," Hopkins, who had four catches for 128 yards in the game, said of Levis. "He plays the game like he's been here. (OC) Tim Kelly and those guys did a great job getting him prepared today."
After the Titans fell behind 3-0, Levis connected with Hopkins for the 47-yard touchdown pass, which electrified the Nissan Stadium crowd, and gave the Titans a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. Levis completed 6 of his first 7 passes, and he wasn't afraid to air it out on deep shots.
He proved that all game.
Levis connected with Hopkins for another touchdown in the second quarter, this time from 16 yards, to make it 14-3. Levis was 12-of-19 for 119 yards with two touchdowns in the first half, with a 115.9 rating.
The Titans built momentum, and they dominated the first half to lead 14-3 after 30 minutes.
At the start of the second half, the Falcons cut the lead to 14-6 on their first possession, which ended with a 49-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo. Later in the third quarter, Koo made it 14-9 in a 39-yard field goal.
Then came another Levis-to-Hopkins strike, from 47 yards, to give the Titans a 21-9 lead with 1:37 left in the third quarter.
After the Falcons answered back quickly on a 13-yard run by Bijan Robinson, which made it 21-16 with 14:17 left in the contest, the Titans, and Levis, came back swinging.
Levis connected with Westbrook-Ikhine for a 33-yard touchdown toss to give the Titans a 28-16 lead with 6:59 left.
After the Falcons cut the lead to 28-23 with 3:46 left on a Taylor Heinicke touchdown pass to Scotty Miller, the Titans were able to hold on and get the win.
Henry finished the game with 101 yards on 22 carries.
The Titans were swarming on defense, sacking Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder five times in the first half, part of six total sacks in the game. Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had two sacks and a forced fumble, and linebacker Harold Landry had two sacks.
"I felt like every time somebody made a play," Landry said, "the whole team was feeding off of it. And that's how it's got to be, for real, for real. We know how good we are up front, and we just have to go out there and cut it loose."
The Titans to action on Thursday night in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
"I think you can build off a win," Titans Coach Mike Vrabel said. "Now we have to recover, we have to get back, and go on the road to Pittsburgh. We know how hard that is to win, at night, on a short week.
"But I am excited. I am excited that we won."
This up-and-down season continues for the , who looked out of sorts for most of their 28-23 loss to the on Sunday. The loss moves Atlanta to 4-4, but they remain atop the NFC South thanks to tiebreakers.This loss could have bigger ramifications for the remainder of the season. Taylor Heinicke took over in the second half, and the offense took a step forward with him behind center. The Falcons gained a total of 89 yards in the first half; Desmond Ridder passed for 71 yards, but Atlanta had a net total of 35 yards because of five sacks ...
This up-and-down season continues for the , who looked out of sorts for most of their 28-23 loss to the on Sunday. The loss moves Atlanta to 4-4, but they remain atop the NFC South thanks to tiebreakers.
This loss could have bigger ramifications for the remainder of the season. Taylor Heinicke took over in the second half, and the offense took a step forward with him behind center. The Falcons gained a total of 89 yards in the first half; Desmond Ridder passed for 71 yards, but Atlanta had a net total of 35 yards because of five sacks for 36 yards. Once Heinicke took charge, the Falcons were much more effective moving the ball through the air.
Although the Falcons allowed four touchdown passes to rookie Will Levis, the defense is largely getting a pass from me for this performance. It’s not just because I don’t want to pile on after the devastating Grady Jarrett news, because I believe the unit has been playing well enough to forgive a day like this. Besides, there are plenty of issues on the other side of the ball to focus on.
There’s a lot for the Falcons to sort out after this game, and their decisions in the coming week might define the rest of the season. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the players on the rise and those who took a hit after Sunday’s performance.
The Falcons looked much sharper in the second half with Heinicke leading the way at quarterback. Ridder was evaluated for a concussion at the start of the second half, and although he was cleared to return to action, Atlanta felt comfortable sticking with its backup.
Heinicke looked decisive when he found a receiver open downfield and finished the game completing 12 of his 21 pass attempts for 175 yards and a touchdown. Now, the completion percentage will need to improve if he does get the job long-term, but there’s no doubt Heinicke provided a spark for Atlanta’s offense. For what it’s worth, Heinicke, himself, doesn’t expect that his performance was enough to wrestle away the starting job, but he certainly gave the Falcons something to think about.
Taylor Heinicke says he doesn't believe he's earned the starting job: "No, this is Desmond’s team.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) October 29, 2023
Koo was once again reliably phenomenal on the road. He made all three of his field goal attempts and helped the Falcons stay marginally in the game until the offense delivered a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Koo drilled kicks from 29, 39 and 49 yards. Had a 59-yarder been needed, I have all the faith in the world that Koo would have delivered.
On the season, Koo is 16-of-17 on field goals. His lone miss of the season came in Week 3 against Detroit. Since then, he’s made 10 straight kicks, and his longest has been 51 yards.
This third spot was a bit hard to hand out, and it very nearly went to punter Bradley Pinion, who has done a standout job so far this year keeping the field position battle even. Instead, I decided Hodge was the right guy. He caught all three of the passes thrown his way for 75 yards, which is the second-highest total of his career.
Hodge had an excellent 52-yard catch-and-run in which he broke multiple tackles late in the third quarter. The play helped set up Atlanta’s first touchdown of the day, and it will hopefully signal a bigger role for Hodge moving forward.
Ridder may have initially been held out of action in the second half because he was being evaluated for a possible concussion. However, the fact that he stayed out of the game after reports indicated he’d been cleared to return is very telling. Ridder has shown growth this season, but another fumble Sunday on the offense’s most promising drive of the first half was concerning to see. His official stat line for the game was 8-of-12 for 71 yards with three carries for 26 yards and the fumble; he was also sacked five times.
After the game, Smith said, “We didn’t take him out for performance issues,” and perhaps they really were being extra cautious in holding him out, but this is yet another moment we can point to if Ridder’s time as a starter draws to a close.
A strong 2022 season for McGary has not carried over so far this fall. He has struggled against some of the league’s top-tier pass rushers this season, and both McGary and Chris Lindstrom had issues against Titans star Jeffery Simmons, who finished with two sacks. Defensive end Harold Landry also had a pair of sacks on Sunday, both of which came against McGary. Entering Sunday’s game, McGary had allowed three sacks, according to PFF, which ranked second on the team and one behind Jake Matthews. The offensive line has been arguably the most underwhelming unit for the Falcons this season, so it’s not just McGary, but he’s not performing to the standard he set last year.
For as poorly as the Falcons played at times on Sunday, they still had the ball late with an opportunity to win the game. Atlanta had its work cut out for it on the late-game drive, starting at its own 13-yard line with no timeouts and 2:19 remaining on the clock, but crazier things have happened. The drive looked like it would continue when Heinicke released a ball to a wide-open Jefferson in the soft spot of Tennessee’s zone defense on fourth-and-1, but his pass went right through the outstretched hands of Jefferson.
As a newcomer to the team and a player looking to revitalize his career, it was not an endearing moment. He finished the game with three catches for 24 yards, but it’s the pass he didn’t catch that will stick with people.
Do you have any shoutouts or callouts from Sunday’s game? Let us know in the comments below.
NASHVILLE – The Titans beat the Falcons 28-23 on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.Here's a look at six things that stood out from the contest:Levis Was "Ballin"Titans running back Derrick Henry said it best: Rookie quarterback Will Levis was ballin'. In his NFL debut, Levis threw four touchdown passes, with a 130.5 rating, and he made some incredibly accurate throws. In the process, Levis became just the third QB in NFL history to throw four TDs in his first NFL start, and just t...
NASHVILLE – The Titans beat the Falcons 28-23 on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things that stood out from the contest:
Levis Was "Ballin"
Titans running back Derrick Henry said it best: Rookie quarterback Will Levis was ballin'. In his NFL debut, Levis threw four touchdown passes, with a 130.5 rating, and he made some incredibly accurate throws. In the process, Levis became just the third QB in NFL history to throw four TDs in his first NFL start, and just the fifth qualifying player in NFL history to record a passer rating of 130.0 or better in his first NFL game. "He was playing out of his mind," Henry said of Levis. I thought Levis played with poise, made good decisions, and he showed some moxie. He had a blast along the way. "Like I've been saying," Levis said, "this is the game I love, and there's nothing better than winning a football game."
Boos
One of the biggest topics after the game centered on quarterback Malik Willis, who played just two snaps. The reason: Boos could be heard loud and clear at Nissan Stadium when Willis entered the game each time. Teammates didn't like hearing them. "For Titans fans, us in the locker room, we don't appreciate the boos for Malik," receiver DeAndre Hopkins said. "He's on this team and he's part of us. That's not something I expected coming here, and I don't think that's very fair." Willis couldn't handle a high snap on his first play, which resulted in a fumble. He ran for four yards on the other play. "Everybody's entitled to how they want to feel," Henry said. "There's no need of booing. We understand that they're frustrated … (but) Malik wants to win just as bad as anybody on this team and this organization and the fan base as well." This is my take on the situation: I didn't think fans were necessarily booing Willis, but instead they were booing the decision to play him on those snaps instead of Levis. Perhaps it was a combination of both? Either way, it was a bad look, and sound.
Hello Hopkins
Titans receiver DeAndre Hopkins had a breakout game in Tennessee, catching four passes for 128 yards and three touchdowns. Hopkins made touchdown grabs of 16, 47 and 61 yards, getting deep and behind defenders. Hopkins now has 504 yards on 31 catches through seven games. He's proven to be a great addition for the team, despite what some folks across the NFL thought about his potential heading into his 11th NFL season. "I really don't care too much about what goes on outside of my control," Hopkins said. "I trust God. I've trusted God my whole life. For me to be in the NFL playing football, I am thankful. … I am grateful to be here."
King Henry
Titans running back Derrick Henry was a workhorse, carrying the ball 22 times for 101 yards. Henry averaged 4.6 yards per carry. His longest run was 14 yards. I thought Henry made life easier for Levis, because he managed to get five and six yards on a number of his first down runs, and created shorter down and distance situations. Fellow running back Tyjae Spears also provided a 23-yard bolt, but had just three carries in this one as the Titans relied on Henry. After the game, Henry was asked about some of the swirling rumors regarding his future leading up to the game. He expressed thankfulness for being a part of the franchise. "I'm a Titan, and I'm happy to be a Titan," Henry said. "I am going to do everything I can to help this organization continue to win."
Pass Rush
The Titans were swarming on defense, sacking Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder five times in the first half, part of six total sacks in the game. Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had two sacks and a forced fumble, and linebacker Harold Landry had two sacks. Linebacker Jack Gibbens, and Denico Autry also added sacks for the Titans. "I felt like every time somebody made a play," Landry said, "the whole team was feeding off of it. And that's how it's got to be, for real, for real. We know how good we are up front, and we just have to go out there and cut it loose."
Stonehouse Hitting Bombs
Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse played a big role in the contest with some bombs, which put the Falcons in a hole on a lot of their possessions. The Falcons had drive starts at their own 7, 12, 13, and 15 after Stonehouse punts. Stonehouse had punts of 55, 66 and 72 yards, and six of his eight punts were inside the 20 on a day when he averaged 52.5 yards (gross), and a 46.8-yard net. Tight end Kevin Rader hustled downfield to down the ball at the seven. "Stoney, he can flip the field," Titans Coach Mike Vrabel said. "He kicks a 70-yarder and I'm over there talking about, 'Man, I wish it would stop right on a dime at the five-yard line,' and then you realize it's a 51-yard net punt or whatever it is. So, he's getting better at directionally kicking them. We have to continue to cover them, get out in coverage, cast the net. … I'm very comfortable with … Stoney being able to manage the plus-50 punts and then also flip the field when we need to."
Copyright © 2022 Merchants Walk Dental - All Rights Reserved. Made by 