Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Falcons got their revenge, and made
quite a statement as well in doing so.
Matt Ryan threw three touchdown passes, including a pair to Julio Jones, and
the Falcons dealt the New York Giants their first regular-season shutout in 16
years with an authoritative 34-0 victory at the Georgia Dome.
Atlanta (12-2) got its payback for a 24-2 throttling by the Giants during last
season's NFC Wild Card Playoffs behind a near-flawless performance from Ryan,
with the standout quarterback completing a sharp 23-of-28 passes for 270 yards
without a turnover.
The Falcons' defense did its part as well, intercepting New York's Eli Manning
twice in the first half and stopping the Giants on downs three times over the
course of the game.
Manning managed just 161 yards on an off-target 14-of-26 efficiency as New
York (8-6) was held scoreless in a non-playoff setting for the first time
since a 24-0 setback at Philadelphia on Dec. 1, 1996.
Jones ended with 74 yards on six catches and Tony Gonzalez added a touchdown
grab for the NFC South champion Falcons, who can clinch a first-round playoff
bye if San Francisco loses to New England on Sunday night.
The result could be considerably more costly for the Giants, now 2-4 over
their last six outings. New York would relinquish its one-game lead over
Dallas and Washington in the NFC East if either the Cowboys or Redskins win
their Week 15 matchups.
The Sports Network