Falcons stumble about, beat lowly Raiders 23-20 on Bryant field goal
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and head coach Mike Smith look on in apparent dismay. (Curtis Compton/Ccompton@ajc.com)
The Falcons have a nickname for kicker Matt Bryant.
“He’s ‘Mister Automatic,’” safety William Moore said. “I didn’t have one doubt in my mind. He’s been coming through for us all season.”
With the Falcons’ high-octane offense running on fumes, and Mister Automatic having already misfired on a 43-yard first quarter attempt, Bryant hit from 55 yards with one second left to lift the Falcons to a 23-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
It was the Falcons’ third straight dramatic win in the fourth quarter and the 19th time that quarterback Matt Ryan has pulled out a win in the fourth quarter or overtime.
The Falcons needed a late touchdown run from running back Michael Turner with under three minutes to play to beat Washington 24-17 on Oct. 7.
Bryant made a 40-yarder to beat Carolina 30-28 with five seconds left on Sept. 30.
All of this late-game drama is taking its toll on the team.
“We have to cut it out with these nail bitters,” Moore said. “Overall, we’re going to have to finish ball games. I felt like we played down (to the Raiders’ level) a little bit.”
With the victory, the Falcons improved to 6-0 heading into their bye week. The Raiders dropped to 1-4.
Also, Falcons head coach Mike Smith joined Dan Reeves in team annals for most victories with 49. He could set the new mark with the Falcons face the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 28.
“Everybody is happy for Coach Smith,” Ryan said. “He’s done a great job since he’s been here and certainly everything that comes his way is deserved. We all love playing for him.”
With the passing game struggling and the power running game in moth balls somewhere, Ryan pulled things together in the final 40 seconds from the Falcon’s 20.
He started by completing a screen pass to Jacquizz Rodgers for 7 yards. He followed with a 4-yard completion to Harry Douglas, who scooted out of bounds.
After an incompletion, Ryan found tight end Tony Gonzalez for gains of 10 and 13 yards down to Oakland’s 37. With five seconds on the clock Bryant was summoned.
“It’s about handling the moment, whatever that is, managing it,” Bryant said.
The Raiders tried to ice Bryant with a timeout. He used that to get in a practice kick.
“In my opinion there are more good things that can come out of calling a timeout,” Bryant said. “I mean if you make the kick, you just conjure up that feeling of repeating that. If you miss it, then you know how to make the adjustments.”
Ryan had his worst game of the season. He completed 24 of 37 passes for 249 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. His passer rating of 59.4 was his lowest since he posted a 50.6 in a 17-10 loss at Houston on Dec. 4, 2011.
With the offense sputtering, the defense tried to drag the team to victory.
With the score tied 13-13 and the Raiders within field goal range, cornerback Asante Samuel stepped in front of a Carson Palmer pass intended for wide receiver Denarius Moore and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown with 2:40 to play.
“Making that mistake I made is crucial, it’s on me,” Palmer said. “It’s on me. It’s my fault.”
The Raiders didn’t fade. They promptly scored on a touchdown run by Darren McFadden to make it 20-20 with 40 seconds to left setting the stage for the latest dramatic drive.
Ryan, who had thrown three interceptions over the first five games, tossed three in the first half against the Raiders. The Raiders turned those three picks into 10 points en route to a 13-7 halftime lead.
On the fourth play of the game during the Falcons’ opening drive, Ryan tried to connect with Douglas on a crossing route, but Oakland cornerback Joselio Hanson cut underneath to pick off the pass.
The Falcons forced the Raiders to punt, but Ryan tossed his second interception on a deep pass intended for Julio Jones. Mike Huff intercepted the ball at Oakland’s 2-yard line.
The Raiders quickly got from the shadows of their goal posts when Palmer connected with Moore on a 49-yard pass play. The drive stalled and Sebastian Janikowski made a 52-yard field goal.
On the Falcons ensuing possession, Ryan got hot. He completed 7 of 7 passes on a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. He capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roddy White to make it 7-3.
Former Georgia Tech standout Philip Wheeler forced Ryan’s third interception. Wheeler blitzed untouched up the middle. When he slammed into the Ryan, the pass fluttered out and Oakland safety Tyvon Branch came down with it at Atlanta’s 28. The Raiders would score on a 25 yard pass two plays later.
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255 comments Add your comment
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
6:49 pm
Mr NFL
The Gaints won and GB won without running games, Bottom line
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
6:50 pm
I wouldn’t sell my soul to get the Falcon’s Running game but We are still winning.
It happens to even the best….a Stumble……..October 22, 1972 Buffalo Bills W 24–23 6–0
MTSeats
October 14th, 2012
6:52 pm
MTuner days are over. He has been paid for his effort. It’s time to move forward, but watch, TD won’t.
Mr. Hankey's Christmas special
October 14th, 2012
6:53 pm
Curtis who? CARES. i was there, I was bored and then we won as I was leaving the Dome. Looks like the beer gods are with us this year or with me anyway. Glad he missed from 43 cause the last one would have been missed. And I’m gone. Lima beans are ready. Can’t wait for Dallas although Monday is gonna be a bear.
Mr. Hankey's Christmas special
October 14th, 2012
6:54 pm
P.S. If anybody gets a DUI and winds up in Fulton State Court, let me know.
Mr. NFL
October 14th, 2012
6:59 pm
@Undefeated
Yeah but Rodgers was playing at an alltime high during the playoffs, he set some records for consecutive playoff games with 3 TDs or more a game and the Giants defense was elite and they also had this guy name Eli at QB. Funny thing is both teams embarrassed the Falcons in back to back yrs.
4DaBirds
October 14th, 2012
7:01 pm
Mr. Saint acts as though his team is something of relevance. Last time I checked the Aints let the lowly Chiefs come from way behind to beat them in their own house. The only win the Aints have was from the refs helping them last Sunday. The Aints may be the best 1-4 team, but they are still 1-4 and in the cellar of the division. Suck on it swamp rat.
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:02 pm
Mr NFL
You saId we need a running to win.
MTSeats
October 14th, 2012
7:05 pm
Why is this team paying Edwards? Another TD/MS choice.
4DaBirds
October 14th, 2012
7:05 pm
I guess Mr. NFL is some sort of sad being. He’ll pay good money in hopes of seeing the home team lose. What a waste of life you are.
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:07 pm
Mr NFL
Love your points about what it takes to win in the playoffs. Its about coming together at the right time so lets wait and see.
the reader
October 14th, 2012
7:07 pm
the real rick: You need to ask them if they would LET you “take” the win. I am not sure everyone on this planet cares about your takes, or no takes. Bottom line: You are an idiot, and you will be the one for the rest of your life….
d. mcclee
October 14th, 2012
7:09 pm
simply put we really should be 4-2 but then again its about how you finish not how you start. I feel like if we dont fix this soon we will lose eventually. doesn’t this kinda remind you of the 2010 season, winning in weird ways
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:10 pm
Enter your comments here
Jones
October 14th, 2012
7:10 pm
What the hell was Blank doing talking to a player who was 1) gassed and 2) still needed to finish out the game? Can we, as fans, write a letter and tell him to stay in the owners box or at least 20 years from the nearest player. This ain’t pee wee league.
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
7:10 pm
Hell I heard this once before…….Even BAD SEX is GOOD cause it is still SEX……
MTSeats
October 14th, 2012
7:11 pm
Wish falcons had spent 5 picks on an OLine. Better investment.
Dirty Bird
October 14th, 2012
7:13 pm
I’l take it for sure.
6-0, 4 games up in this division, not bad at all.
Ryan needs to think just a second before throwing those timed routes. Seems like he’s trying to force some balls. Everyone’s not Tony G who can bring those in.
Left some points out there for sure, first and goal at the 1, should be a score.
Missed 43 yard FG by Bryant……..
Defense keeps bailing us out, offense needs to pick it up, get rested, get ready.
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:14 pm
Mr NFL
Ray Rice ran for 63 yards today and his team won.
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
7:15 pm
theight
October 14th, 2012
6:18 pm
This team is a Roddy White injury to being a horrible team. Honestly without Roddy or Tony G, this team will not win many games. Its all good right now while beating the 2nd weakest division in all of football but when we run into a team like San Francisco, everybody better be healthy.
____________________
But the team is NOT without Roddy W or Tony G. So how is that dumb statement relevant. And last time I looked, the 49ers were getting their azzes handed to them by the Giants.
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
7:17 pm
The 49ers were the Best team with a loss. Then the Texans were the best team with a loss……………..Well the 49ers look like CRAP today. at HOME………….Screw the Falcon Haters……………
JuliotheMAN
October 14th, 2012
7:18 pm
O line and D line are very average. No pressure on Palmer, Ryan on his back every throw. Weak in the trenches wont work when it gets to the playoffs.
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:18 pm
DawgNole
Amen…
Mr. NFL
October 14th, 2012
7:19 pm
@Undefeated
I am a fan of the NFL first, I am also a Falcons season tix holder. But i’m a realist when it comes to watching football. I don’t wear Black & Red glasses and say my team is this and that, when i see a weakness i point it out. Period
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
7:19 pm
Jones
October 14th, 2012
7:10 pm
What the hell was Blank doing talking to a player who was 1) gassed and 2) still needed to finish out the game? Can we, as fans, write a letter and tell him to stay in the owners box or at least 20 years from the nearest player. This ain’t pee wee league.
_______________________
Couldn’t agree with you more. Reminds me of Jerry Jones (Dallas)–as obnoxious and full-of-himself owner as there’s ever been. I know Blank means well, but it just doesn’t “look right” to me to see him nosing around down there with the onfield personnel while the game’s still going on.
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:21 pm
juliotheMAN
You sound like a HATER…
The Elite New England Patriots just got it handed to them by a rookie.
North Fulton Falcon fad
October 14th, 2012
7:22 pm
I just returned home from the falcons win over the raiders….. what a game! The fans loved it! We were all excited and cheering while leaving the dome. Why are people on this blog complaining about the Falcon’s 6-0 record? Are you not happy with their record? I don’t get it. I have been waiting for a season like this for years!
Falconeer
October 14th, 2012
7:25 pm
Turner and Snelling share one trait that hurts the Falcon running game. Both stop when they get to the defensive players. Sure Turner gets off a good yardage run, but that is very seldom and a tiny percent of his runs
I have to admit that Oakland came to play and the Falcons were a little overconfident during the early part of the game.
But hey, a win is a win anyway you can get it. Go Birds.
NCDOG
October 14th, 2012
7:25 pm
I’ve been a Falcon fan since their first year in NFL,all those years of losing, 6-0 looks pretty damn good to me!
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:25 pm
Mr NFL
This league is full of weakness. That is what coaches get paid to find and exploit. What is your point? When you are undefeated everyone bring their A game.
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:28 pm
North Fulton Falcon fad
These are not true fan such as you and I. They are haters in diguise.
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
7:30 pm
RG3 just dismantled the 3 rank defense in the league
Ed
October 14th, 2012
7:31 pm
It’s these gritty wins like this one that makes teams more tenacious and better prepared fir the playoffs.
Observer
October 14th, 2012
7:31 pm
If you’re going to play a video, turn up the sound where we can hear!
Mr. NFL
October 14th, 2012
7:36 pm
First off i’m not a Falcon fan, i go to every game in Dolphins gear, you know that team that has been to 4 superbowls and won two. I moved here and brought season tix for the Falcons because i’m a fan of the NFL, and before you say the Phins suck, let me say it for you, THEY SUCK, so now that I got that out of the way, I watch all the top teams play. Things i’ve learned is don’t beat against the Falcons at home. But when you watch them play you never really come away saying man they are a dominant team, heck even people in my section scratch their heads at the game. I’m just saying enjoy it but still be worried because they look vulnerable.
who dat
October 14th, 2012
7:38 pm
6-0 congrats to ATL.
creteguy
October 14th, 2012
7:38 pm
They need to establish a running game and learn to run/ drive block. Turner is not the answer and is grossly overrated. A 245 lb. back should not get regularly tackled for a loss or no gain but the line is not helping him, Snelling or Rogers.
who dat
October 14th, 2012
7:39 pm
SUPER BOWL CHAMPS OPPS YALL HAVE NO RINGS MY FAULT!
Tap Out
October 14th, 2012
7:40 pm
In the past when we thought the Falcons were playing well, these are the type games they would lose to bring us back to earth. Not this time….good job Falcons. Take this time off to rest and regain focus.
MTSeats
October 14th, 2012
7:46 pm
all the rah, rah folks, send your checks to ABlank, he wants a new stadium on the the tax payer $. Start a crusade, let him pay for it.
joeyoff
October 14th, 2012
7:50 pm
it’s not like 1-3 teams will be complete pushovers. The win just proves how good we really are if people stop making mistakes… (Ryan in this game). But we’ve got playmakers and resolve so we win. Also, lots of the “elite” teams according to the media lost today (NE). Green Bay has the very real possibility of going 2-4 after tonight yet will you all say they are better than ATL? It’s the NFL. Much parity this year.
Dennis
October 14th, 2012
7:51 pm
They need to spend a large portion of the bye week learning how to wrap their arms around the guys they’e acting like they’re tackling.
flatsdawg1
October 14th, 2012
7:52 pm
Guess what it’s the NFL , any team on any day can beat you, but the Falcons expect to win every game, and they have. Obviously played terrible today, but still good enough to win. I’ll say this, I would rather have Matt Ryan and our receivers with 2 minutes left than anybody in the league.
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
7:59 pm
Tap Out
October 14th, 2012
7:40 pm
In the past when we thought the Falcons were playing well, these are the type games they would lose to bring us back to earth. Not this time….good job Falcons. Take this time off to rest and regain focus.
____________________
You’re spot on with this post.
RambleOn84
October 14th, 2012
8:00 pm
I’m sorry, but all this “barely beat a bad team” talk is just pure baloney.
This is the NFL…there are no bad teams. Every team out there is full of exceptional athletes and former All-Americans.
There are no bad wins in the NFL. This ain’t college football, boys.
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
8:00 pm
Dennis
October 14th, 2012
7:51 pm
They need to spend a large portion of the bye week learning how to wrap their arms around the guys they’e acting like they’re tackling.
______________________
You nailed it there. That was a sorry display of tackling (flailing) today. Of course, it’s not juist the Falcons; it’s prevalent at all levels anymore.
RambleOn84
October 14th, 2012
8:01 pm
And there’s something to be said for reaching down and pulling out a win even on a bad day.
Cannon Ball Butler
October 14th, 2012
8:05 pm
JUST WIN BABY!!!!
Undefeated
October 14th, 2012
8:06 pm
RambleOn84
Spoken like a true Mr NFL fan….
Whadda Ya Know?
October 14th, 2012
8:14 pm
All you cry baby haters need to just go tell your whining to someone who gives a $h!t. Because no one here wants to hear your weak excuses that the Falcons aren’t this, they aren’t that. Stop talking about previous playoff games and things we didn’t do last year. This is a new year and this year is all that matters right now. And you Saints fans…still living from a SB a couple of years ago? What’s that superbowl doing for you this year? Thought so…not a D@MN thing!!! LOL