The Atlanta Falcons starters dominated in an impressive first quarter, and then got some help from their defense for the remainder of the half, taking a 14-3 lead into the break. Then they held on in a sloppy second half to raise their preaseason record to 1-1 with a 20-13 win.
Eric Brock sealed the deal in the fourth quarter, intercepting a Keith Null pass in the end zone to end a Rams drive at the end of game and seal the deal for Atlanta.
The Atlanta first-team offense made sure to impress over the two possessions they plyed together, twice dominating on two impressive touchdown drives.
They ran all over a hapless Rams D after receiving the kickoff, marching 77-yards on nine plays. Michael Turner was the catalyst, running for 65 yards on seven carries, including a 43-yard scamper and 1-yard touchdown to give Atlanta a 7-0 lead with 9:57 remaining in the first quarter.
Matt Ryan and the passing game paced Atlanta when they got the ball back. Ryan went 5-for-6 on the drive, and connected with Tony Gonzalez for a 14-yard touchdown to give Atlanta a 14-0 lead with 3:22 left in the first quarter.
It wasn’t as smooth for the second-team offense, as D.J. Shockley threw an interception during his first possession on the field. James Laurinaitis made the pick. And it led to a 43-yard field goal to pull the Rams within 14-3 with 13:09 left in the half.
Ryan finished the half 7-of-8 for 81 yards, and one touchdown. Turner finished the half with 65-yards rushing, all of them coming on the first drive which included his one-yard score.
Kroy Biermann and Jamaal Fudge lead the defensive effort with five tackles apiece.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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