While the Atlanta Falcons' offense was off to a slow start, the defense made an undeniable first-half statement against J.J. McCarthy and the struggling Minnesota offense. A start that was defined by the contributions of a rookie class that has Atlanta buzzing after what the fan base hopes was a defining half. Watts did have the one lowlight of the half for Falcons' rookies getting beaten badly by Justin Jefferson to set up a field goal as time expired. Seeing both Pearce and Walker come to life early in this game is the statement Atlanta fans were hoping to see from the rebuild unit. More Atlanta Falcons News and Rumors: