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.