Detroit Lions 22-21 Atlanta Falcons: NFL at Wembley – as it happened

Well, that was exciting, wasn’t it?

After a run of lukewarm encounters, Wembley finally got to see what the NFL can really offer, as Detroit delivered an almost unthinkable comeback. After a first half where nothing went right, the Lions rallied from 21-0 down to win by a single point.

What had seemed another Wembley blowout instead proved to be the perfect scenario – allowing comeback specialists to claw their way back against a team whose self-belief was already in tatters.

It’s also worth mentioning that before today, Detroit had missed ten of their sixteen field goals – and Prater missed his first attempt, but displayed stones of steel to tuck away a second kick after a penalty call. He wasn’t the only one – Stafford and his motley crew of receivers got the job done in Calvin Johnson’s absence.

Lost in the late madness was UK NFL chief executive Alistair Kirkwood confirming on Sky that there will be another three games here next season. For the NFL in London to become a permanent, franchised fixture, Wembley needs more games like this. The NFL, and the Detroit Lions, just won over a few more fans – despite what Jerry Parks told us (see 14.54). I hope he’s dancing around his living room right now.

That’s about all from me. Thanks for joining me. Later.

Lions 19-21 Falcons, 0:04 4th quarter

The Falcons defence, so disciplined in the first half, give up another holding penalty, and this will be a 42-yard attempt to win the game for Detroit. Hold on to your hats...

Lions 19-21 Falcons, 0:30 4th quarter

Detroit grab another first down, and Stafford spikes again – they’re now at the Atlanta 32, and will presumably run the ball, trying to edge Matt Prater closer to the posts. It’s around a 49-yard attempt from here; by no means guaranteed.

Lions 19-21 Falcons, 0:50 4th quarter

What a catch! Stafford fires to Riddick, who hauls it in one-handed to secure the first down! Stafford spikes the ball to stop the clock, and they’re within field goal range.

Lions 19-21 Falcons, 1:38 4th quarter

Matthew Stafford, who has pulled off 13 game-winning drives in his Lions career, gets things going with a hoik upfield to Golden Tate. The Lions move up to their own 39. Atlanta losing this from their half-time position would be quite something.

Lions 19-21 Falcons, 1:50 4th quarter

Detroit have now used their timeouts, and Atlanta look poised to run the clock down, but the defensive line concedes an ill-timed penalty. The Falcons are pushed back to 3rd and 10, and can’t convert. The goalposts are but a speck in the distance, so they’ll punt. The Lions will get a chance to win this game.

Nervous moments – Atlanta have the ball a long way from their own end zone, but one errant pass from Matt Ryan could still hand Detroit the game. On the sideline, some Atlanta Falcon cheerleaders are asked what they think of London. They say it’s damp and unfriendly and they want to go home They really like it.

Lions 19-21 Falcons, 2:00 4th quarter

Julio Jones, largely anonymous in the second half, collects a Ryan pass and shuffles through the secondary to collect a new set of downs and take the ball to the Detroit 40. Two minute warning.

Lions 19-21 Falcons, 2:10 4th quarter

The Lions call a timeout with Atlanta poised on 3rd and 5. It may not have been remotely even in the first half, but the stats tell a different story now. Detroit have 322 total yards to Atlanta’s 256, and 29 minutes of possession to 27:39. The Falcons force a first down through Harry Douglas, and Detroit burn a second timeout. They have one left, the Falcons have two.

Sadly, Detroit missing that two-point conversion means there’s not much chance of overtime – it would have been the first overtime period played in London. Incidentally, the last time Detroit played at Wembley – in the 1993 America Bowl against Dallas, no less – it finished 13-13, with the teams perhaps agreeing to tie to please their English hosts.

Lions 13-21 Falcons, 7:28 4th quarter

Smart completion from Stafford on 3rd and six, ignoring go-to guy Golden Tate and picking out fellow wide receiver Corey Fuller instead. A fresh set of downs for Detroit, with the ball on the Falcons’ 27-yard line. A touchdown, and two-point conversion, would tie the game. Squeaky bum time for Atlanta’s head coach...

Lions 13-21 Falcons, 9:48 4th quarter

Detroit revert to their favoured running game despite the absence of Reggie Bush, with Joique Bell picking up a first down. Detroit now into Falcons territory, and the Atlanta sideline does not appear to be brimming with confidence.

Lions 13-21 Falcons, 11:45 4th quarter

To win at Wembley, you need luck on your side – and you might say Atlanta have had the rub of the green today. The Detroit defense continues to make inroads, hauling Ryan down and forcing him to cough the ball up – but for the third time, it’s a red shirt that’s first to the ball from a fumble. A costly turnover is again avoided, but Detroit get the ball back quickly. Could we finally see an NFL thriller in London?

Lions 13-21 Falcons, 13:15 4th quarter

Hester carries the ball out to the Atlanta 16-yard line, and Ryan will try and lead Atlanta to their first points of the second half. They’ve been extremely conservative so far, but have still shipped 13 points without reply in this second half, as individual mistakes have cost the team. Apropos of nothing, the Falcons spent this week training at the Emirates.

Lions 10-21 Falcons, 3:04, 3rd quarter

A tough day for Mathis in the Lions secondary; he’s penalised for pass interference, cancelling out an almighty heave from Suh to sack Matt Ryan. Instead of a 2nd and 20, it’s a 1st and 10 for the Falcons.

Lions 10-21 Falcons, 4:38, 3rd quarter

Detroit kick off, and we’ll restart at the Atlanta 20. Plenty of talk from the US commentators about the slippery Wembley surface, which has given the Lions in particular a few headaches. They seem genuinely baffled that the grass could be wet and muddy, despite the lack of rain today. It’s called autumn, guys.

Lions 3-21 Falcons, 6:45, 3rd quarter

The Lions started their latest drive close to the 40-yard line, and they end up at 3rd and 25. It’s probably now or never for Matt Stafford and the Lions...

A brief break in play, so here’s some pictures of the action in Northwest London:

Lions 3-21 Falcons, 6:45, 3rd quarter

The Detroit defence are able to get close to Matt Ryan as the Falcons start a fresh drive. The quarterback fumbles, but OT Ryan Schrader picks it up to prevent a dangerous turnover. This patched-up Atlanta offensive line has been exceptional today. Detroit don’t get the ball, but they shut the Falcons down on their first three plays, forcing them to punt away.

Lions 3-21 Falcons, 7:54, 3rd quarter

1st and goal for the Lions now, after an impressive drive to start the second half. Stafford almost sees the ball snatched from his grasp on the second down, and that brings up a big third down. The Falcons defense get to Stafford again, and Matt Prater has to kick for three points. Atlanta as formidable on defence as they have been going forward; great for them, not so great for the Wembley spectacle.

Lions 0-21 Falcons, 11:00, 3rd quarter

Matthew Stafford is something of a comeback specialist, and he looks a different proposition to the end of the first half. He picks out Golden Tate, who is also very much back in the game, for a 28-yard gain. Detroit are into the Falcons’ red zone, desperate to make a game of it.

Lions 0-21 Falcons, 13:05, 3rd quarter

The Lions get the second half underway. It does feel like the fizz went out of this in that 30-second spell when the Lions had a pick-six wiped out, then conceded a third touchdown. They’re moving the chains reasonably well here, pushing to 2nd and 8 on the Atlanta 48. It barely needs saying, but Detroit need a touchdown, and quickly. Atlanta take their first time-out of this half.

As we rather limp towards half-time, here’s Detroit Lions ‘fan’ Jerry Parks, with a spectacular missive from Michigan:

This may be a little late considering the score, but as a proud Michigander , I am here to issue a public health statement to all of you British NFL fans watching the game today: under no circumstances should you develop any feelings or attachment to the Detroit Lions!

Those of you in the UK may not be aware of the Lions’ long and futile existence (no Super Bowls ever, two playoff appearances in 25 years, the only team to lose every game in a season, among many others) and might actually be tempted for some reason to adopt a soft spot for this team, to this I say in your own best interest stay away!

Many in Michigan have fallen into this trap and are now doomed to a Nietzschean existence of watching an endlessly repeating loop of spectacular failures from what very well may be the worst professional sporting entity on the planet, and I cannot in good conscience allow a similar fate to befall the good people of Britain.

Save yourselves while there’s still time and support the Cincinnati Bengals, or the San Diego Chargers, or anybody else, really.

All I can offer in the Lions’ defence is that at least you know they’ll let you down. My vague NFL affiliation is to the Miami Dolphins, a team I largely liked because they won a lot – only one day, they just sort of... stopped.

Lions 0-21 Falcons, 2:00, 2nd quarter

Stafford almost in trouble on third down, early in the drive – but he finds Jeremy Ross, who grabs a fresh set of downs by skipping over a prone defender! Nobody likes a show off. There’s now a pause for what US networks call ‘the two minute warning’, and what we call ‘an ad break’.

Lions 0-14 Falcons, 5:20, 2nd quarter

Drama in the Lions’ end zone, as Matt Ryan, all set to deliver a third TD pass of the day from 20 yards, instead picks out Detroit’s veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis! The 34-year-old huffs and puffs the length of Wembley’s hallowed turf like a muscular, helmeted Alan Ball – and he goes all the way to the end zone! Wait... a penalty flag is thrown early – for pass interference, against Mathis – and the down will be replayed. The crowd are a rare blend of misplaced joy and utter confusion.

Lions 0-14 Falcons, 6:55, 2nd quarter

Matt Ryan, nicknamed ‘Matty Ice’ for his short-lived rap career composure under pressure, is put under some heat by the Lions’ pass rushers, but finds Harry Douglas on the left sideline, and then Julio Jones in space, to move Atlanta up to the Detroit 40. Ryan then lays the ball off to beautifully named RB Jacquizz Rodgers for another first down. Atlanta’s offense keep giving Ryan options, and he keeps finding them. Impressive, unexpected start from today’s nominal hosts.

This is the position poor Nick Fairley was in when he ran into 306-pound team-mate Ndamukong Suh. Not pretty.

Lions 0-14 Falcons, 10:17, 2nd quarter

Can Stafford get the Lions’ offense going? In a word, no – Stafford, who has been sacked 24 times this season, is still struggling for protection from his offensive line, and he’s forced to throw the ball away on third down. Detroit will punt again – unless Golden Tate can recover spectacular, they look devoid of attacking options.

Lions 0-14 Falcons, 11:10, 2nd quarter

The Lions have enough to worry about without injuring their own players – but that’s what happened on third down, as Nick Fairley was hit by team-mate Ndamukong Suh as they both went after Matt Ryan. Clumsy. Fairley has limped off, while Atlanta have punted the ball back to the Detroit 40-yard line.

Lions 0-14 Falcons, 11:26, 2nd quarter

As Atlanta start again from their own 10-yard line, here’s more from Paolo Bandini at Wembley:

Hugely impressed with Matt Ryan’s poise behind an offensive line that’s lost four starters to season-ending injuries. The blocking has not always been good but he never looked ruffled, going nine for 10, using six different targets. The Falcons had just two touchdowns in their last two games, so two in a single quarter here at Wembley is some statement.

Both teams have been hit hard by injuries ahead of today; Atlanta have certainly handled it much, much better so far. That said, Detroit do stand up defensively here, denying Atlanta a first down. They’ll be delighted to get the ball back in Matthew Stafford’s hands so quickly.

Lions 0-14 Falcons, 12:54, 2nd quarter

That’s better from Stafford, who spies Golden Tate evading protection and finds him in-bounds – but Atlanta safety Dwight Lowery buffets him out of play to end the danger. Tate limps off, which is a big concern for Detroit - and things only get worse, with the move breaking down at 3rd and 6. The Lions turn down the long-distance field goal attempt, and punt the ball instead. Atlanta get the ball back.

Lions 0-14 Falcons, 13:40, 2nd quarter

We’re immediately into the second quarter (a band only comes on and performs songs at half-time, if you’re new to this). Detroit really do need to get a first down here, and they do just that, before Jeremy Ross is found by Stafford with a short pass, and despite spilling the ball, does haul himself over the line. A new set of downs coming up for the Lions.

Lions 0-14 Falcons – end of 1st quarter

It may only be 10am in Detroit, but the Lions will need to wake up shortly. Joique Bell, in at RB for the injured Reggie Bush, nearly drops the ball as he makes to take off, but recovers in time. That’s running back 101, surely - don’t drop the thing. Detroit at least snare a first down, before Stafford, exasperated with a lack of options, runs the thing himself, and takes his offense to 3rd & 2, around sixty yards from the end zone. That’s the end of a first quarter Detroit coach Jim Caldwell can file under ‘terrible’.

So, no problems at all for Matt Ryan in the blustery Wembley conditions so far. The Lions, normally so effective in the pass rush, have been caught cold by Ryan’s quick release of the ball. It’s a two-score lead for the underdog Falcons! Meanwhile, Andrew Strauss, interviewed on the touchline, almost admits that American football is more interesting than cricket.

Lions 0-7 Falcons, 3:05, 1st quarter

More solid offensive work from the Falcons, with Ryan keeping things moving, and almost picking out Julio Jones in the end zone with a big throw downfield. Jake Matthews (him again) gives up another penalty, and Atlanta find themselves at 3rd & 8. Matt Ryan finds WR Harry Douglas, back from injury, close to the 20 yard line, despite Detroit’s half-hearted attempts at a blitz.

This is what he’s referring to – not the best infographic in history:

Lions 0-7 Falcons, 6:35, 1st quarter

It’s a stop-start, well, start from the Lions, with an offensive holding penalty partly responsible for the Lions drifting to 3rd & 13. Stafford can’t find a receiver, so the Lions will punt. Devin Hester collects for Atlanta and runs the ball 24 yards back to the left touchline, and Matt Ryan will begin again on his own 45-yard line.

Lions 0-7 Falcons, 9:25, 1st quarter

A solid start from Matt Ryan and the Falcons; a sluggish one for the Detroit Lions. They take a knee from the Atlanta kick-off, so now it’s Matt Stafford’s turn to start from his own 20. He’s one TD away from becoming the Lions’ all-time TD pass leader, remember. He’s also without Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron and Reggie Bush here today.

Lions 0-0 Falcons, 12:00, 1st quarter

Atlanta run the ball early, and move to 3rd & 3. A flag against OT Jake Matthews pushes the Falcons to a less appealing 3rd & 8, but Ryan found Roddy White downfield, and Atlanta keep moving the chains effectively, Ryan finding White again to bring up another first down just inside the Detroit 29.

American jazz singer Diane Reeves absolutely belts out the U.S. national anthem before kick-off. “The nation’s sporting soprano”, Laura Wright, has to follow that, and opts for a quick verse of ‘God Save the Queen’. All very stirring. Here we go.

Both teams are out on the pitch now, after opening videos featuring animal noises, wailing guitar solos and menacing graphics. You can’t deny that the NFL does entrances; last year, when the Vikings were the home team, the entire team through a massive wall. It was made of polystyrene, but still.

Here’s our man at windy Wembley, Paolo Bandini:

Gusty day here at Wembley Stadium means note sheets and plastic bottles flying off desks and going everywhere in the press box. More interesting to see will be the impact on the two quarterbacks once the game gets underway. Wouldn’t imagine it being too big of a problem for two big-arm guys like Stafford and Ryan, although it’s no secret that the Falcons QB has tended to produce his best football in the climate-controlled confines of the Georgia Dome.

It’s a good point Paolo makes – the Atlanta Falcons have given up a home game to be here as the designated ‘home’ team, and it means more to them than many other franchises; so often dominant under the roof in their home stadium, they might struggle to recreate that on a blowy Autumn day in Middlesex.

Kick-off is imminent. Right now, Little Mix are doing their thing on a hastily assembled stage, in front of a half-empty Wembley. I’m not sure this spectacle is beneficial to anyone involved, really.

Preamble

Good afternoon and welcome to the 10th NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium – and this one could be a corker.

So far, the Wembley games have succeeded in spite of a lack of real on-field drama (and there’s little question the NFL London experiment has been a hit; this is the second sellout regular season game played at Wembley this season, with a third to come when Dallas face Jacksonville in two weeks). Only two of the last seven Wembley matches have been settled by seven points or less.

It could well be a different story today, with two sides with plenty of potential on their rosters; Detroit’s offense, led by former No.1 draft pick QB Matthew Stafford, is capable of scoring against anyone – although superstar wide receiver Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson’s absence with an ankle injury will sting. Where the Lions have really excelled this season is at thwarting their opponents; the Lions have allowed the fewest total yards of any team. Fearsome, occasionally reckless defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is one to watch out for today.

Conversely, Atlanta’s strength is and remains on offense. The Falcons looked to have an attacking unit that was destined to lead them to a Super Bowl, but since a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2011-12 NFC Championship game, they’ve gone 6-and-17, with their defence and running game repeatedly foiling QB Matt Ryan’s attempts to win games by hitting WR targets Roddy White and Julio Jones, both of whom will feature today.

Don’t go thinking that this will be all about quality, though - both these teams are notoriously flaky, both now and throughout the Super Bowl era. Despite numerous false dawns, the two franchises have one Super Bowl appearance between them (Atlanta, in 1998; they lost). This season, the Lions lead the teak-tough NFL North with a 5-2 record, but lost at home to the Buffalo Bills three weeks ago.

The Falcons have lost four straight, but still have an outside chance of the playoffs, despite a 2-5 record, as they find themselves in the dismal NFC South, where no team has posted a winning record. They need to snap a four-game losing steak, ideally today, before they can get too excited.

The game kicks off at 1.30pm GMT, 9.30am Detroit/Atlanta time. Wherever you are, here’s hoping you’re ready for some football.