Falcons throttle Chargers 27-3 to remain undefeated
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan passes against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game in San Diego Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan turned in one of the greatest days of his five-year NFL career on Sunday against the Chargers in a battle of unbeaten teams.
With Ryan operating at near peak performance and the defense confounding San Diego’s offense, the Falcons defeated the Chargers 27-3, before 61,297 fans, to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2004.
“I really liked the way all three phases of the team played today,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “They performed extremely well.”
The Falcons used their passing attack to build a lead and then turned the game over to running back Michael Turner, who had a tumultuous week that included being arrested for driving under the influence, to close out the game.
Ryan completed 30 of 40 passes for 275 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
“I feel as confident as I ever have for sure and a lot of that has to do with experience. …having good experiences and bad experiences,” said Ryan, who improved his record as a starter in the NFL to 46-19. “ I’m now realizing that I can do it. I can make the plays we need to make in order to win.”
Free safety Thomas DeCoud is also gaining more confidence from his experiences. He was at the center two key turnovers that fueled the victory.
DeCoud recovered a fumble that set up a back-breaking 17-play, 96-yard touchdown drive. He also came up with an interception that helped the Falcons build a 20-0 halftime lead.
“I think it’s a combination of the scheme, skill and confidence all coming together,” DeCoud said. “We are a defense that is offensive minded and we want to get the ball back for our offense. I think we’ve really taken that to heart.”
Ryan and the offense opened the game with a solid touchdown drive.
With Ryan passing on 8 of 10 plays, the Falcons marched down the field before he tossed an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Holder Matt Bosher scooped up an errant Josh Harris snap, but was tackled while trying to run for the extra point.
With the Falcons up 6-0, the game stalled until early in the second quarter.
The Chargers were on the move and drove inside the Falcons’ 10 yard line when DeCoud held up San Diego running back Ryan Mathews and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon whacked him from the back to force a fumble.
DeCoud recovered Mathews’ 11th fumble in 27 career NFL games.
“I was pushing for more yards and when I was going down to get a little extra, the ball came out in front of me,” Mathews said. “Stuff like that happens and I just have to learn to go down instead of trying to get the extra yard.”
The Falcons promptly drove 96 yards in 17 plays before Ryan tossed a laser shot to tight end Tony Gonzalez, who hauled it in for a 7-yard touchdown. It was the 98th career touchdown for Gonzalez.
During the drive, their longest of the season, the offense converted on five third downs to keep the chains moving.
“We got into a rhythm,” Ryan said. “The one that stands out to me is Jason Snelling catching the check down and being able to run for nine or 10 yards, converting on a third-and-long situation.”
With the Chargers on the ropes, quarterback Philip Rivers tossed an ill-advised pass out to tight end Antonio Gates and DeCoud made a spectacular interception along the sideline at San Diego’s 29 with 1:53 left in the second quarter.
The Falcons struck quickly, with Ryan tossing a 9-yard touchdown pass on a fade route to Julio Jones on the fourth play of the drive. Rodgers picked up a blitzer to allow Ryan time to get off the touchdown pass that made it 20-0.
“That was a big-time catch over there on our sideline in the end zone,” Smith said. “On the very first play, he was injured. To what extent, I don’t know. He was able to return to play and made a big play for us when we needed it. There were a bunch of guys in that locker room that made big plays. I’m very proud of them.”
San Diego received a 41-yard field goal from Nate Kaeding on their first drive of the second half.
About the only thing Ryan did wrong was throw a third quarter interception. He hadn’t thrown an interception in a franchise-record 272 attempts before San Diego cornerback Antoine Cason’s interception.
The Falcons will attempt to improve to 4-0 when they face the well-rested Carolina Panthers (1-2), who played Thursday night, at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
THE LATEST NEWS
Falcons improve to 2-0 with 27-21 win over Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos
Falcons running back Michael Turner charged with DUI
Cornerback Christopher Owens is in the concussion protocol
VIDEO: Matt Ryan discusses win over Denver
Secondary puts Peyton Manning back on his heels
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TV, Radio: Broncos vs. Falcons, 8:30 p.m. on MNF
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Video: What loss of Grimes means
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187 comments Add your comment
SeenThisB4 & "Matt Choke Ryan"
September 23rd, 2012
9:59 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8E_zMLCRNg
44counter
September 23rd, 2012
10:00 pm
When Grimes went down, I felt alittle uneasy……so far so good. I believe we have a legit defense.
The first 10 or 12 games in the NFL are just to enjoy the games. So, experience and maturity have taught me to not get too excited this early in the season.
Falcons Fan
September 23rd, 2012
10:14 pm
Falcons 3-0, Aints 0-3. Seen This B4. LMAO!
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 23rd, 2012
10:18 pm
@SeenThisB4 & “Matt Choke Ryan”: That is LOL funny!
phil
September 23rd, 2012
10:23 pm
We’ll never win anything until we fire Smith….
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:25 pm
Falcons looking great – coaching must have something to do with it. Love the Saints 0-3 – another loss in next two games and they are out of it.
Need to take care of panthers and start 4-0
What is word on Julio’s hand injury???
phil
September 23rd, 2012
10:26 pm
Julio faked the hand injury for sympathy….
He’s jealous of Roddy.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:33 pm
Naw – heard it was really banged up — the guy is the real deal – if Roddy doubled, then Julio gets ball and vice versa. so there is no report obviously?
Red
September 23rd, 2012
10:37 pm
Way to go Falcons, Way to go! Clap, Clap.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:40 pm
it was a kick butt show – Rivers, like most NFL QB’s, average at best under pressure. The D is just playing lights out. The O line is blocking and Matt is having break out year – so far.
East Atlanta Ron
September 23rd, 2012
10:43 pm
Teams with a combined record of 4 wins and 5 losses won’t be the Falcons’ opponents in the playoffs. 3-0 is good, but being ready for the good teams in the playoffs is better. The AFC West is admittedly the worst conference in the NFL. I’ll believe in this team when I see how they respond to a good team hitting them in the mouth.
Mikey
September 23rd, 2012
10:44 pm
Can you say DEFENSE? Isn’t it easy to win when the explosive offense of your opponent can only score 3 points? I have the utmost respect for T. Dimitroff but will never forget his comment that “You will never prevent these top teams from scoring so offense is much more importantant than defense, you have to be able to outscore them.” I’m sure Mr. Dimitroff is learning that a great defense can not only stop a top notch offense but it can score a couple dozen points in the process. If this defense continues to progress, there will be no playoff losses. If we were to use our top three picks on defense next year, we might be talking dynasty. GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP! Oh, and nice job offense too.
Rufus1
September 23rd, 2012
10:50 pm
I have 1 question….
WHAT THE HELL WAS VAN GORDER DOING?.. This is the same team minus a “STUD” linebacker.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:51 pm
east ATL – you are right, but let’s just be optimistic – everybody was saying how well chargers were playing and it would be test. Falcons dominated. The D scheme looks different to me. I am used to receivers running 10 yards in the open – not happening this year so far.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:52 pm
exactly Rufus – WTF???
Drew "Choke" Brees
September 23rd, 2012
10:53 pm
I’m glad we got MLB #50 this year.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:56 pm
don’t miss Lofton – Dent is faster and has as good of nose for ball.
Dr. Roctopus
September 23rd, 2012
11:13 pm
@East Atlanta Ron – That reasoning is somewhat silly when three of those five losses are courtesy of the Falcons. And one of the other two is to the 3-0 Texans. You’re a fan, enjoy the wins. Stop trying to find reasons to complain.
You “fans” are incredible. First Baker had to go, Baker has been solid. Reynolds is terrible, turns out he’s okay. Koetter was terrible with the Jags, doing fine with the Falcons. DeCoud needs to be cut, instead DeCoud’s making plays on the back-end. Turner is finished! He looked fine to me today. Stop dreaming up reasons that the Falcons will lose. Just enjoy the wins.
Jerome
September 23rd, 2012
11:14 pm
The Falcons are 3-0 and looking at the schedule, It sets up nicely before the bye week as long as we take care of business!!! Hey ATL, Get to the dome early next Sunday and let’s send Cam and the Panthers home with a loss. RISE UP BABY!!!!!
Mike
September 23rd, 2012
11:18 pm
I hope that Curtis Lofton is enjoying his new team.Eat it Saints!
Where's choke??
September 23rd, 2012
11:40 pm
That’s what I thought.
DiamondDaveincali
September 23rd, 2012
11:53 pm
Wow wouldnt be cool to win a Super Bowl in the caints Dome?
Bob from Cobb
September 24th, 2012
1:25 am
Michael WHO? Looks like he got manhandled toward the end of the game today. You can tell the Saints are missing Sean Payton BIG TIME! Off to an 0 and 3 start. Who would have thunk it? I am CAUTIOUSLY optimistic for this season. Been a Falcons Fan since they drafted Tommy Nobis out of the University of Texas in 1966!
Big Ray
September 24th, 2012
1:48 am
Falcons are 3-0, Saints are 0-3….probably never “Seen This B4″ but we dang sure are seein’ it NOW!
johngoey
September 24th, 2012
1:54 am
Falcons look great so far. Thing that bugs me is the continued negativity toward the team done indirectly by saying the teams we beat are no good. Almost regardless of how things turn out we beat 2 teams (denver and sd) that lots of analysts said we wouldn’t. We won a big game on monday night against one of the best qbs ever. We’ve got what it takes. If it turns out those two teams have terrible losing records it’ll be one thing. But I somehow doubt that’ll happen (though look at the saints now so who knows). I think the Falcons have what it takes to go 12-4 easy. I really just want a playoff game win to shut a bunch of naysayers up. Super bowl this year? maybe depending on how good we look against some really great teams like NYG or maybe ARI. But our schedule is very favorable (CARx2, NOx2, TBx2, WSH, PHI, DET should be wins if we play well) and we should be in great shape for the playoffs.
Jasmin
September 24th, 2012
2:47 am
As a FALCON FAN For ovrr 20 years it feels good to see my boys on top! With that said, let’s stay humble ya’ll. Enjoy our wins, but take it one game at a time. There is still a lot of football to be played. Go Falcons!
Sargent Carter
September 24th, 2012
3:16 am
Basically, Falcons boys, not yet men, all people are saying, show us the money, we still don’t believe
e love
September 24th, 2012
5:42 am
great win for the FALCONS. Dome needs to be rocking next Sunday.
camjerseys
September 24th, 2012
6:09 am
will be everywhere next week! Spoon really needs to pop this kid like he has never been hit before. Get to him early & we got this with no problem. I only see Cards & NYG maybe giving this team any trouble…You heard it here first!
Honey boy
September 24th, 2012
6:10 am
Matt Choke? Where for art thou, you Loser!! Funny how he runs his mouth and when he gets shown up he vanishes in his mothers basement, hiding behind the water heater…
True definition of a cyber jerkoff…
longtimefan
September 24th, 2012
6:30 am
Matt Choke could come on and post his usual drivel about 0 playoff wins with his silly smiley face, but even he knows that the way the Falcons have been playing with Matt Ryan leading in QBR he would look like a fool. He will reemerge after the inevitable first loss. Multiple playoff wins with SB title will banish him forever. Where is the naysayer JSS?
East Atlanta Ron
September 24th, 2012
7:16 am
I would prefer to be 3-0 than 0-3, but let’s let the season play out before anointing this team anything….I will remind you that ATL had a 13-3 record and home field advantage just 2 years ago…it’s a long season….
Samuel
September 24th, 2012
7:18 am
Explaination, I think Roddy was frusrated because Ryan missed him wide open. Coach Robisky told him not to show up his quaterback. All in all the Falcons played well on the road. Matt Ryan still hasn’t reach his stride yet. There were still a few errant throws, he can get better. I don’t know if Dent and Edwards were invovled because of being in a three four or four three scheme. But you rarely hear their names called. The coaching staff won’t admit it, but Ray Edwards is a borderline bust . He simply is not a bonafide pass rusher, I think in Minnesota he strived, because their were so many pass rushers on that team.
e love
September 24th, 2012
7:18 am
GREAT WIN FALCONS !!!!! Let’s rock the DOME next week and go 4-0
Geaux Falcons
September 24th, 2012
7:32 am
Where are all the Saints fans that like to run their mouth on this thread???!
Edd
September 24th, 2012
7:37 am
I told ya,ll. Saints will not be the same without the coach. Just sayin
Edd
September 24th, 2012
7:38 am
Bag time in New Orleans
southernfjord
September 24th, 2012
7:51 am
Another Falcons win and another Saints loss…we have definitely SEEN THIS B4…and we gonna see more!
southernfjord
September 24th, 2012
7:54 am
BTW…where’s Matt Choke and the rest of Dog Killa’s crew? Heard he had a banner day out in Arizona yesterday, LOL
D man
September 24th, 2012
8:03 am
Great day Falcons. We can’t get too excited or we will do what the Niners did yesterday against the Vikings next week. We need to stay the course and keep playing great defense. Wow, our D has looked great since the second half of the Chiefs game. Go FALCONS!!!
Cleveland Ave. Turk
September 24th, 2012
8:04 am
GO FALCONS!!!…RISE UP!!…WE IN THIS B#%&H!!!….Shot out to Claude Humphries!!!
Cleveland Ave. Turk
September 24th, 2012
8:06 am
All the haters need to do one thing………KILL YA SELF!!!
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
8:07 am
What a run by Turner in the 4th quarter:
2-3-SD 25 (9:43) 33-M.Turner left end to SD 7 for 18 yards (32-E.Weddle).
Haven’t seen him move like that in years!!
Cleveland Ave. Turk
September 24th, 2012
8:12 am
Shot out to the old ross flea market and blue store on cleveland ave. Who remeber the old buddys at the corner of cleveland and browns mill…..STAND UP A-TOWN!!!!!!
Mike is Back
September 24th, 2012
8:12 am
DLed, HOW BOUT THEM DANG BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RISE UP BIRDS…LET’S GO…LET’S GO…WE GOTTA KEEP IT GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dazzy G
September 24th, 2012
8:14 am
DazzyG: Hello officer, I’d like to file a missing persons report.
Officer: OK, name?
DazzyG: Mat “choke” Ryan
Officer: Uh, strange name but OK…
DazzyG: Yes I know.
Officer: Anyhow, do you know his last whereabouts or where he might be?
DazzyG: Well officer he is a troll and to the best of my knowledge trolls live under bridges. Additionally, he always talks about “deep balls” as well. So my guess would be under a bridge at Piedmont Park? I think he also likes pit bulls, if that helps.
Office: OK I will post the report
DazzyG: Thank you officer I’m really worried.
DazzyG: I will also need to file another one later, Hiram Saint…
Officer: Let’s start with this one.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!
ParanoidAndroid
September 24th, 2012
8:31 am
I am actually glad Ryan threw that INT. Let him throw it during a rout and then let him learn from it.
I am gladly eating my crow for doubting DeCoud, Baker, and Bosher. I hope to be able to say the same thing next week about Edwards.
Next up Carolina. Go Falcons
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
8:57 am
East Atlanta Ron
September 23rd, 2012
10:43 pm
Teams with a combined record of 4 wins and 5 losses won’t be the Falcons’ opponents in the playoffs. 3-0 is good, but being ready for the good teams in the playoffs is better. The AFC West is admittedly the worst conference in the NFL. I’ll believe in this team when I see how they respond to a good team hitting them in the mouth.
******************************************************************
The AFC North and South ain’t exactly distancing themselves from their AFC West brethren. But let’s say you are admittedly correct. Keep in mind that 3 of those 5 losss came against the undeafeted NFC South Atlanta Falcons.
WTF
September 24th, 2012
9:21 am
Nice game Birds…Keep it up.
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
9:28 am
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
7:22 pm
I watched that Caints game both teams were terrible………………..Atlanta will whip the Caints big time when they meet……………………..
***********************************************
Man, give some love to those Chiefs, they were down 24 – 6 at halftime. Nice comeback for the W….!!