| Matt Ryan threw a career-worst five interceptions on Sunday but the Falcons still managed to win. (US Presswire) |
The Falcons managed to overcome six turnovers, including a career-worst five interceptions from quarterback Matt Ryan to beat the Cardinals 23-19 on Sunday afternoon. The passing attack was uncharacteristically out of rhythm all day long but the defense -- which was thrust on the field four times deep in their own territory after an interception -- bailed out Ryan. Struggling against a mediocre Arizona team suggests the Falcons aren’t as good as their 9-1 record suggests.
Offense: D+
Matt Ryan failed to throw for a touchdown for the second time in three weeks, the only two times he hasn’t thrown for a score all season. Two of his interceptions came off of passes tipped at the line of scrimmage while another came off of a bobbled catch by Roddy White, but the other two were the results of awful decisions. Aside from the drop, White had his third-consecutive 100-plus receiving game and his fifth of the season. Most importantly, Ryan forgot about the interceptions and completed 4 of 5 passes on a go-ahead, 70-yard touchdown drive, capped off by Michael Turner’s 1-yard run into the end zone. Previous game’s grade: B
Defense: A-
Given the circumstances, the Atlanta defense couldn’t have performed much better. Ryan’s five interceptions gave the Cardinals an average starting position from the Falcons’ 29-yard line, but the defense yielded just 13 points. Defensive end John Abraham came up with the play of the day when he strip sacked Cardinals QB Ryan Lindley and DT Jonathan Babineaux scooped the ball up and rumbled into the end zone for his second career touchdown. Runs of 40 and 52 yards, respectively, by LaRod Stephens-Howling highlighted another awful tackling performance from the defense, though. Previous game’s grade: D+
Special teams: B-
Matt Bryant was money, nailing three field goals, including a long of 51 yards, but Atlanta’s special teams coverage was shaky. One Matt Bosher punt was returned 40 yards to the Atlanta 30-yard line while the kickoff following Babineaux’s touchdown was returned 65 yards to the Falcons 35-yard line. Previous game’s grade: B
Coaching: D
Coach Mike Smith admitted that the Falcons were lethargic to start the game against Arizona, which was coming off of a bye week. “We were kind of sleep walking through the first quarter of the football game,” he said following Sunday’s win. The team wasn’t prepared to play and evidently, Smith wasn’t either. On a bizarre third-quarter fumble by Falcons running back Jason Snelling, Smith threw a challenge flag even though by league rules, all turnovers are reviewed. By throwing a flag, Smith committed an “unsportsmanlike” penalty, thus deeming the fumble unreviewable. Referee guru Mike Pereira tweeted, “If the challenge flag is thrown before the replay official initiates the review, then the play is not reviewable.” Smith said, “It was my mistake. My guys bailed me out.” Previous game’s grade: D
For more Falcons coverage, follow Mike Singer @CBSFalcons.