This was a timely win for the Falcons. Atlanta has a good shot at winning its division for the first time since 2004. The Falcons (7-2) have a one-game lead on the Saints and already own a win at New Orleans. Things tend to get steeper from here, however. Four of the Falcons’ next six games are away from the Georgia Dome, and the two home games are against likely playoff participants Green Bay and New Orleans. The Falcons are not nearly as fearsome on the road (2-2), and Ryan’s unfathomable 18-1 record at the Dome is going to have to come down at some point, right?
The Falcons have given themselves just a little wiggle room, however, with a win over a team that should land in the AFC playoffs. The Ravens (6-3) should be able to bounce back with games against the Panthers and Bucs the next two weeks before a critical showdown with the Steelers in Week 13.
“It’s always difficult when you play a team in their place, on their turf, with the crowd noise,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “I think being in this kind of environment this early in the season is going to pay off for us later on down the road.”
CLICK: Thursday heroics just another leap forward for Falcons’ Ryan, White – Bill Trocchi – SI.com
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