Giants vs. Falcons: Atlanta shuts out New York 34-0

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Falcons vs. Giants final score: Dirty Birds shut down the G-Men, 34-0

The last time these two teams met - last year's wild card round - the Falcons had massive problems scoring and converting fourth downs.

This time it was the Giants who couldn't score or convert: they were shut out for four quarters, and failed all three of their fourth-down conversion attempts.

Following a poor performance against the Panthers, several analysts picked the Falcons to lose at home because "they didn't scare anybody." The Falcons didn't "run over teams," they lacked a "killer instinct," or whatever other psuedo-analytical nonsense you might have heard this week.

But this game was decided from the start when Asante Samuel intercepted Eli Manning on his first pass attempt of the ball game. The Falcons took a 17-0 lead into halftime. Instead of softening up as they did against the Broncos, the Falcons kept their feet on the gas pedal and drove home a "scary" 34-0 win.

Matt Ryan was stellar, completing 23 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Julio Jones caught six of those for 74 yards and two scores.

The offensive line gave Ryan some phenomenal protection against a Giants defensive line that everyone knows can get to the quarterback, and they even created decent running room for Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers.

The defense, down William Moore and Chris Hope, was just as impressive if not more than they were against the Broncos. The younger, just-as-goofy Manning was lost from the start, completing just 12 passes for 150 yards and throwing two interceptions.

Kroy Biermann and the defensive line created good pressure, and the secondary - charged with the tall task of defending the likes of Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz - did more than their fair share in stopping New York's passing attack.

It was perhaps the most complete Falcons game we've seen since defeating the Chargers back in week three. Now they are one step closer to locking up home field advantage, and approach the playoffs with momentum and confidence on their side.

ESPN better find some new talking points.

• 6 months ago
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Falcons vs. Giants update: Atlanta breaks away in second half, extending lead to 27-0

The Falcons came into the second half leading 17-0 and knowing that a quick score could break this game wide open.

Matt Ryan did just that, delivering a neatly-wrapped deep ball to Julio Jones on a 40-yard touchdown pass on Atlanta's opening possession of the half.

Ryan has now completed 16 of his 21 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. Julio Jones, who now has 1,000 yards receiving on the season, has caught four for 52 yards. Harry Douglas has performed well also, making three receptions for a game-leading 83 yards.

On defense, the Giants again managed to find a measure of success, driving the ball down to Atlanta's 25-yard line, but another fourth down attempt was denied when Jonathan Babineaux knocked Eli Manning's pass down at the line.

A long, back-breaking drive ensued as the Falcons drove 75 yards to the New York goal line before kicking a field goal that put the score at its current 27-0 margin.

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Falcons vs. Giants score: Atlanta intercepts Eli twice, leads 17-0 at halftime

The Falcons got off to a fast start after Asante Samuel intercepted Eli Manning on his first pass of the ball game. The Falcons added to that lead after Thomas DeCoud jumped a route and snagged Manning's pass out of the air.

The Falcons went three-and-out following that pick, but managed to get close enough for Matt Bryant to extend the team's lead to 17-0.

Matt Ryan has completed 10 of his 12 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. Michael Turner has 31 yards and a score on nine carries which, while not fantastic, is at least an improvement over last week's horrid performance.

But the real story so far, of course, is Atlanta's defense. Manning has completed less than 50% of his passes and thrown two interceptions. Kroy Biermann has a sack, part of an great effort by the defensive line to keep the younger Manning uncomfortable in the pocket.

And despite allowing 88 rushing yards already, the defense has kept this shutout going by stopping the Giants twice on fourth down and short.

The Falcons have played some fundamental, mistake-free football so far. A touchdown on the opening drive of the second half might be the killing blow in this game.

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Falcons vs. Giants update: Atlanta running its way to a 14-0 start

The Atlanta Falcons set the tone for this football game from the start, as Asante Samuel intercepted Eli Manning on his first pass of the ball game.

The Falcons then proceeded to call four straight handoffs - all to Michael Turner - to go 13 yards and give themselves an early seven-point lead.

The Giants found more success on their second drive. David Wilson took a delayed handoff for 25 yards, and it appeared as if New York would even the score. But a well-timed blitz on third down had Kroy Biermann in Manning's face, and the ensuing Lawrence Tynes field goal kick fell wide left.

Matt Ryan went to work on the following possession, marching the offense 80 yards down the field on ten plays. He completed all six of his passes for 66 yards, including a 12-yard strike to Tony Gonzalez for a touchdown, making it 14-0 Atlanta.

The Falcons defense continued to impress after that, forcing the Giants to go three-and-out. Biermann picked up a sack to add to an already impressive performance.