Falcons Edge Colts in Berlin Thriller, London's Crucial Touchdown Secures Week 10 Victory

BERLIN, Germany – The Atlanta Falcons secured a critical Week 10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts with a hard-fought 24-20 triumph in the NFL’s first regular-season game hosted in Berlin. Wide receiver Drake London delivered a pivotal 16-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the third quarter, shifting momentum and giving the Falcons a lead they would ultimately not relinquish. The contest at Olympiastadion marked a significant moment for the NFL’s international expansion and provided a compelling narrative for both teams vying for playoff contention.

The highly anticipated trans-Atlantic clash, held on Saturday, November 9, 2025, kicked off Sunday’s action for Week 10 of the NFL season, drawing a capacity crowd and significant global attention. For the Colts, the game represented the debut of recently acquired cornerback Sauce Gardner, whose presence was expected to bolster their secondary against a dynamic Falcons receiving corps. The game also featured a marquee matchup of two of the league’s premier running backs in the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor and the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson, whose performances were central to their respective teams’ offensive strategies.

From the opening whistle, the atmosphere in Berlin was electric, with fans eager to witness top-tier American football. The Colts, led by their veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew, initiated the scoring with a methodical drive culminating in a short field goal by Matt Gay, putting them up 3-0 midway through the first quarter. Atlanta responded on their subsequent possession, with Bijan Robinson showcasing his versatility, breaking tackles for a 22-yard gain before finding the end zone on a 5-yard rush, giving the Falcons a 7-3 advantage. Robinson, who entered the game averaging 85 rushing yards per contest, demonstrated his customary blend of power and agility throughout the early stages.

The second quarter saw the Colts reclaim the lead through a powerful ground game spearheaded by Jonathan Taylor. Taylor, a perennial Pro Bowl selection, exploited gaps created by his offensive line, accumulating 68 yards on the ground in the first half alone. His efforts culminated in a 1-yard touchdown plunge, pushing Indianapolis ahead 10-7. The Falcons’ defense, while stout against the pass early on, struggled at times to contain Taylor’s explosive runs. Atlanta’s offense, despite flashes of brilliance from London and Robinson, was stifled on a crucial third-down opportunity, forcing a punt. The Colts extended their lead further just before halftime with another Gay field goal, making it 13-7 as the teams headed into the locker room.

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The turning point arrived early in the third quarter. Following a defensive stop that forced a Colts punt, the Falcons’ offense, under the direction of Michael Penix Jr., found its rhythm. Penix, in his second season as a starter, demonstrated improved pocket presence and accuracy. He orchestrated a nine-play, 75-yard drive that consumed over four minutes. The drive was highlighted by a crucial third-down conversion where Penix connected with tight end Kyle Pitts for 18 yards. The momentum-shifting play, however, came on a second-and-eight from the Colts’ 16-yard line. Penix dropped back, surveying the field, before delivering a precise pass over the outstretched arms of Colts cornerback Dallis Flowers, landing perfectly in Drake London’s hands in the back of the end zone. London secured the catch, toe-tapping just inside the boundary, to give the Falcons a 14-13 lead following the extra point. This play, which was broadcast live on NFL Network and NFL+, underscored London’s growing prowess as a red-zone threat and Penix’s developing chemistry with his top receiver.

London, who had been on a hot streak in recent weeks, recording over 90 receiving yards in three of his last four games, continued to be a focal point of the Falcons’ passing attack. His touchdown catch marked his fifth of the season, solidifying his status as a primary target in Atlanta’s offense. Penix finished the game completing 22 of 34 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception, demonstrating a crucial step forward in his young career.

The fourth quarter intensified as both teams battled for control. The Falcons capitalized on their newfound momentum. After a defensive stand, Penix connected with running back Tyler Allgeier on a screen pass that Allgeier took 45 yards downfield, setting up another scoring opportunity. Robinson then punched it in from 3 yards out for his second touchdown of the game, extending Atlanta’s lead to 21-13. The Colts, not to be deterred, responded with a determined drive. Jonathan Taylor continued to be a workhorse, chewing up yards, and Minshew connected on several key passes, including a 28-yard strike to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The drive culminated in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Minshew to rookie tight end Jelani Woods, narrowing the gap to 21-20 with just under seven minutes remaining in the game.

However, the Falcons managed to maintain their composure. A critical defensive stop forced the Colts to punt with three minutes left. Atlanta then mounted a clock-draining drive, with Robinson and Allgeier combining for several first downs, forcing Indianapolis to burn their remaining timeouts. Younghoe Koo sealed the victory for the Falcons with a 38-yard field goal with 35 seconds left on the clock, making the score 24-20. The Colts’ final desperate attempt at a comeback was thwarted by an interception from Falcons safety Jessie Bates III on a deep pass from Minshew as time expired.

For the Colts, the loss marked a disappointing debut for Sauce Gardner, who recorded three tackles and one pass defensed. While his individual performance showed flashes of his elite talent, he was part of a secondary that struggled to contain London and Pitts in crucial moments. Jonathan Taylor finished with an impressive 125 rushing yards on 26 carries and one touchdown, but his efforts were not enough to secure the win. Gardner Minshew completed 20 of 33 passes for 210 yards, one touchdown, and the late interception.

The Falcons’ victory improves their record to 6-4, placing them firmly atop the NFC South division standings. This win is crucial for their playoff aspirations, providing a significant boost as they head into the latter half of the season. Their balanced offensive attack, featuring the potent ground game of Robinson (102 rushing yards, 2 TDs) and the developing passing game led by Penix and London (7 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD), proved too much for the Colts.

Conversely, the Indianapolis Colts fall to 5-5, complicating their path in a competitive AFC South. Despite the strong performances from Taylor and the potential shown by Gardner, the team’s inability to convert opportunities in the red zone and a few critical defensive lapses proved costly. The integration of a new cornerstone player like Gardner will require time, but the immediate impact sought from the trade did not translate into a victory in Berlin.

The NFL’s international showcase in Berlin was a resounding success off the field, with fervent fan engagement and a vibrant atmosphere. On the field, it delivered a compelling contest that highlighted the evolving narratives for both teams.

Looking ahead, the Atlanta Falcons will return home to face the New Orleans Saints in a crucial divisional matchup that could further solidify their hold on the NFC South. The Indianapolis Colts will also head back stateside to host the Houston Texans, a game that carries significant weight for their AFC South standing. Both teams will need to quickly regroup and adjust as the playoff race intensifies.