Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) – Matt Ryan threw three touchdown passes, two of which were reeled in by Roddy White, as the Atlanta Falcons took the first step toward making franchise history with a 31-3 victory over the Buffalo Bills at the Georgia Dome.Ryan, the second-year quarterback out of Boston College, finished with 250 yards on 18-of-35 attempts for the Falcons (8-7), who need a win next Sunday at Tampa Bay to notch back-to-back winning seasons for the first time.
Falcons 31, Bills 3: Matt Ryan Shines In Dome
White led all receivers with 139 yards on eight catches.
“I felt our defense played a very solid game, very solid effort,” said Atlanta head coach Mike Smith. “I thought our defensive staff did a great job putting together a game plan and the players went out and executed.”
Brian Brohm, making his first NFL start in place of injured Buffalo quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards, completed 17-of-29 passes for 146 yards with two interceptions.
“I thought (Brohm) handled himself okay,” said Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell. “He was put in a tough position. I think he’s got a future. More reps. More work. There’s some promise.”
Fred Jackson was limited to 39 yards on 13 carries for the Bills (5-10), who have lost three of four.
After Buffalo went three-and-out on the game’s opening series, Ryan threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to a streaking White on the first play from scrimmage for Atlanta.
The Falcons led 10-0 when Matt Bryant drilled a 51-yard field goal 36 seconds into the second quarter.
A 12-yard scoring play between Ryan and Marty Booker and Lawrence Sidbury’s 11-yard return of a Jackson fumble extended Atlanta’s lead to 24-0 with 6:06 to play in the third quarter.
Buffalo got on the board when Rian Lindell converted a 42-yard field goal with 1:58 remaining in the third.
White’s five-yard touchdown grab with 4:22 left in regulation accounted for the final margin.
Falcons running back Michael Turner was inactive for the fourth time in six games with an ankle injury…Jason Snelling had 68 yards on 15 carries to lead Atlanta’s ground attack…White reached 1,000 yards receiving for the third straight season…Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez left the game with a calf injury…Buffalo wideout Terrell Owens caught four passes for 39 yards and became the sixth player in NFL history with 1,000 career receptions…Buffalo wraps up its season next week at home against Indianapolis.
via Sports Network
For more information on this game please visit our Falcons site The Falcoholic and our Bills site Buffalo Rumblings
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