Three weeks in, it’s hard to know what to make of the 1-2 Atlanta Falcons. Even with one of the easiest schedules in the league, we knew the team’s first few games would be extremely tough. In Week 3, the Falcons had the Kansas City Chiefs on the ropes, but couldn’t pull off the knockout.

Atlanta needed a yard on fourth down with the game on the line, but the Chiefs got the stop in front of a national television audience Sunday night. There were some positives and negatives to the Falcons’ 22-17 loss to Kansas City. Let’s run through the good and bad from our Week 3 studs and duds:

STUD: Justin Simmons

Not only does Simmons deserve credit for throwing an NFL-record sixth interception off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but the Pro Bowl safety helped prepare his teammates by telling them what to expect against the Chiefs offense. For the most part, the defense played well enough to win, and Simmons set the tone early by intercepting Mahomes in the red zone. It’s a long season, and what we’ve seen from Simmons, Jessie Bates and the rest of Atlanta’s secondary has been encouraging. Simmons now has 31 career interceptions (six by Mahomes).

DUD: The Falcons’ Entire Offensive Line

The Falcons needed a big game from their offensive line to beat the Chiefs, and it didn’t happen Sunday. Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron struggled with pressure and neither did much in the run game. Atlanta suffered two key injuries to right tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman. While the team did a good job of calling plays to offset the poor offensive line play, there’s only so much you can hide against a defense this strong. I know the injuries didn’t help, but this group is too talented to look this inept. Give credit to Kansas City’s front four for convincingly outplaying Atlanta’s offensive line.

STUD: Troy Andersen

Andersen was everywhere on Sunday, leading both teams with 12 total tackles (seven solo). The Falcons’ defense had a few missteps, but that’s to be expected against an offense the caliber of the Chiefs. Andersen and Kaden Elliss have kept a close eye on each other through the first three games. Atlanta’s former second-round pick has a nice combination of toughness and athleticism, and both were on display tonight. With Nate Landman on the injured reserve list, it’s good to see Andersen playing to his potential.

DUD: Referees

There were no-calls in key situations, makeup calls, and more evidence that the NFL is struggling to referee Chiefs games. Kyle Pitts was clearly stopped on what could have been a momentum-shifting touchdown. Overall, the Falcons didn’t lose because of the referees and had every chance to win, despite all the questionable calls. While both teams were assessed six penalties, the referees’ inability to get the calls right in the biggest moments is something that continues to irk the rest of the NFL. It’s no easy task, though, and the NFL would be better off training its officials year-round to improve the quality of play.

Falcons Twitter Reacts to Week 3 Loss

Falcons fans showed a wide range of emotions following Sunday night’s loss. Some were angry at the officials, others blamed Atlanta’s play-calling and a few were happy to see the team stand up to the reigning Super Bowl champions. Check out the best reactions from our Falcons on Twitter from Week 3.

More breaking Falcons news!

5 Lessons from the Falcons’ Heartbreaking Loss to the Chiefs

Falcons fans slam referees and game decisions after failing to beat Chiefs

Falcons lose two starting offensive linemen in first half against Chiefs

WATCH: Bijan Robinson helps Falcons regain lead over Chiefs

Justin Simmons records 6th career INT against Patrick Mahomes

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Studs and Duds from Falcons’ prime-time loss to the Chiefs