Matt Ryan made the most of playing against the NFL's worst defense, and while the Falcons lost their first game of the year in New Orleans, Atlanta's quarterback was sensational.
Falcons vs. Saints: Matt Ryan throws for 400 yards, 3 touchdowns
The Falcons lost, but Matt Ryan had a big day.
Scott Cunningham
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Throwing for the first 400-yard game of his career, Matt Ryan finished with 411 yard passing and three touchdowns as he found Tony Gonzalez (twice) and Mike Johnson for scores. It may have taken 52 passing attempts, but Mike Smith wasn't afraid to have Ryan use his arm all game long.
It's a case of "if only" for Falcons fans when it comes to Julio Jones. Their second-year phenom had just 14 yards receiving when he left the game early, and was able to return late in the game. Finishing with 75 yards receiving on five catches, one wonders how different Sunday's outcome could have been if only Jones was able to remain in the game. Gonzalez did a lot to help, but couldn't pull them through.
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