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No less than thirty seconds after I posted "This is very much a game. Come on Chiefs!" in the third quarter open thread, Matt Ryan scrambled 5-yards for a touchdown. The next drive, Matt Cassel would be hit and stripped of the ball. One play later, the Falcons scored again when Tony Gonzalez caught a Ryan pass for a TD.
And in those few minutes, the game was essentially over for the Kansas City Chiefs. They had been hit too hard and too fast to will themselves back into the game. I think we all felt it after Tony Gonzalez scored his touchdown.
I've got twelve photos from the game after the jump that unfortunately help tell the story of the game.
A stealth bomber flies over the stadium before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE
A group of fans dance to a song in the parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) spikes the ball after running in for a touchdown in the second half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Falcons won 40-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) runs in for a touchdown as Atlanta Falcons free safety Thomas DeCoud (28) defends in the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) is hit while throwing by Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Falcons won 40-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE
Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Atlanta won the game 40-24. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs for yardage as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes (20) attempts the tackle in the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud (28) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) celebrates with wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) makes a catch against Atlanta Falcons safety Dunta Robinson (23) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Atlanta won the game 40-24. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) is unable to make this catch against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Atlanta won the game 40-24. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE