J.Mike's Missives

In a move to add depth to the receiving corps, the Falcons released veteran running back Aaron Stecker on Saturday and promoted wide receiver Troy Bergeron from the practice squad.

Bergeron, 6-foot-2, 195 lbs., played with the Georgia Force of the now defunct Arena Football League for three seasons, totalling  328 receptions for 4,335 yards and 96 touchdowns. He was named the AFL Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a second-team All-Arena selection in 2007.

He was a mini camp addition that stuck through 2009 training camp in Flowery Branch. Though he was released on the final cut day before the regular season, he was quickly signed to the practice squad.

Stecker was signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve. He played six days later in New Orleans, stepping in for an injured Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood. He served in a similar role last week against Washington.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Aaron Stecker, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, New Orleans Saints, Troy Bergeron, Washington Redskins, William Moore

We learned two things in the aftermath of last week’s Redskins-Falcons sideline skirmish:

1. The team will always stand up for and protect its quarterback.
2. The head coach will always watch his players’ backs.

Let’s be clear.

Head Coach Mike Smith moved on from the incident — and his fine — quickly. The coach and his team put 100 percent focus into the Carolina Panthers and improving through the rest of the season.

This is the way it should be.

But the carryover from what happened against the Redskins — the team and coach coming to the defense of on another — is something to remember. Sure, no one likes controversy. But everyone likes teamwork.

It’s going to take plenty of that, solid play from the quarterback and a good game plan to go into Carolina and win in Week 10. The Panthers may be 3-5, but they could be at .500 if not for a rough stretch of games. There’s an effective run game and talented defense awaiting the Falcons, who took the first meeting between the teams back in Week 2.

Quarterback Matt Ryan had his best game of the season that day (21-of-27 for 220 yards and three touchdowns). Michael Turner had a 100-yard rushing game. The defense got an interception and a fumble recovery.

It all comes back this week in the Queen City.

But let us not forget the long-term intangibles.

With that in mind, Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I took some time Thursday to discuss the Falcons-Panthers matchup.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONCAST GAME PREVIEW

As is often the case in Falconcast, Matt and I don’t get a lot of time to discuss every aspect of the game, but we’d like to publicly thank Andrew Mason of Panthers.com for helping us better understand the state of the Panthers.

And I’d like to thank Matt, the creator of Falconcast, for putting up with my Keys to the Game:

• Let’s talk about Ryan. We mentioned him at the top of the post, but let’s reiterate how important quarterback play can be in this game. Long term, Ryan would like to talk about something else than his five-game streak with an interception. He’ll have his chances this week as the Panthers will certainly focus attention on Turner.
• Seeing “red” in the red zone. The Falcons allowed their first 100 percent touchdown percentage by an opponent last week against the Redskins. Washington scored a pair of TDs in the red zone. Still, Atlanta has played remarkably well inside the 20 contributing to the team’s 12th-ranked scoring defense. Play well this week and the Panthers chances will be limited.
• Continue the pressure. Fans loved seeing last week’s five-sack game. Conversely, one of the worst games at getting to the quarterback came in Week 2 against Carolina (one sack). Jake Delhomme was allowed to throw for nearly 300 yards that day. Atlanta’s defensive success is built on pressure (think interceptions and fumble recoveries). This is always a key.

MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: An overview of Sunday’s game from John Manasso
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday’s game against the Panthers
• MULTIMEDIA: Video interviews and more concerning the Falcons, Panthers
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the Falcons from the managing editor
• INJURY REPORT: Updates on Falcons, Panthers injury news
• WHAT TO WATCH: Some key stats and info that could come into play
• NUMBERS, NOTES, COLORS: Bits of info and “by the numbers’ for the game
• EXPERT’S TAKE: A beat writer’s thoughts on the Falcons running game

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Andrew Mason, Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Delhomme, Matt Moore, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Panthers.com, Washington Redskins

This weekend the Falcons take the I-85 rivalry to a different level.

Saturday afternoon the team will climb aboard charter buses and burn rubber on the way to Charlotte and a date with the Carolina Panthers.

But this isn’t the first trip by bus for the Falcons in this series.

The Georgia Dome and Bank of America Stadium are separated by 251 miles of asphalt. The Falcons practice facility in Flowery Branch is significantly closer, so a bus trip will actually be complete about an hour before the team would make it by air. After a little research (a.k.a asking Time Machine’s Frank Kleha) I found out the Birds traveled by bus in 1995 to face the Panthers at Clemson, the first year of the franchise.

After an exhaustive search, I found footage of that trip…

On a related note, the team did not accept my suggestion for alternate transportation.

Several Falcons players were asked about the bus trip this week, most of which saying they haven’t gone to a game by wheel since college — or high school. Head Coach Mike Smith said the equipment staff has made the trip by truck for years and always beats the team there and back (I can attest to that). So, on paper, this one is a no brainier.

Your thoughts?

Can some time on America’s highways really build some extra team camaraderie?

Davis injury typifies Panthers’ woes, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This could be a huge advantage for the Falcons, but Landon Johnson, Davis’ replacement does have a start this season.

Quotable: Head Coach Mike Smith, AF.com
Thursday Smith talked about the league’s decision to fine him for his actions in last week’s game against the Redskins. For more on the fine and what happened, click here.

Atlanta fans just fine with Smith, ESPN.com
I’m still waiting on official word to find out what will be done with money raised by fans. Charity donation is an option. Either way, what a cool thing to do. I think the amount is pushing $2,000.

Atlanta Falcons midseason report, Examiner.com
If memory serves me, the Falcons were 5-3 at this point last season as well. They went on to finish 11-5. Encouraging comment about the 2009 Birds: I think we all can agree the best football is yet to be played.

What to Watch for in Week 10, AF.com
Jay Cutler officially moved past Jake Delhomme for the league-lead in interceptions Thursday night. But that doesn’t change the Panthers recent history of turnovers.

Market report: Smitty gets fined, but his stock surely rises, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I’m thinking there are 53 guys based in Hall County who’d be glad to take up a collection.”

Superfan Cartoon: “Pantie Raid!,” The Canvas, by Superfan
It’s that time again! I love the use of the Pink Panther. It makes too much sense.

Numbers, Notes and Colors for Week 10, AF.com
Each week there’s a collection of stats and notes that give you an overview of the game at hand. This is that collection.

The all-NFC South midseason defense, ESPN.com
Congrats to Curtis Lofton, Mike Peterson and Jonathan Babineaux. Hard to congratulate a division rival for sweeping the secondary category but it’s also hard to argue with Pat Yasinskas on this one.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers, Curtis Lofton, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Fans, Frank Kleha, Friday Pep Talk, Georgia Dome, Head Coach Mike Smith, History, Jake Delhomme, Jay Cutler, Jonathan Babineaux, Landon Johnson, Mike Peterson, Pat Yasinskas, rivalry, Superfan, Thomas Davis, Time Machine, travel, video, Washington Redskins

Head Coach Mike Smith said he received a letter from the NFL office in New York Thursday morning informing him of a disciplinary fine for his role in a sideline altercation in Sunday’s game against the Redskins.

Smith said he accepts the fine and, along with his team, wants to move on to this week’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

“I want everyone to know I’ve moved on from it,” Smith said. “I moved on from it back on Sunday night when that play was over. I’m ready to get prepared for the Carolina Panthers.”

A skirmish broke out on the Atlanta sideline when former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with coaches and players. The scuffle started after Redskins safety LaRon Landry was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Matt Ryan.

After the game Hall said he was accosted by coaches and he would file a formal complaint with the NFL.

According to published reports, Smith received a $15,000 fine for his interaction with Hall. Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was fined $7,500. Landry was fined $5,000. Hall was reportedly not fined.

Smith did not comment on the fine amounts Thursday.

The coach did, however, make it clear he will always “have the backs” of his players. On Monday, Smith said he was trying to restore order on the sideline after the late hit to Ryan.

The second-year coach said he learned from the experience.

“Every day is a learning experience,” he said Thursday. “I think you’re a lifelong learner. You have to handle situations differently when you learn from them.”

Thursday, wide receiver Roddy White said the team will always come to the defense of its franchise quarterback, who he called “the future.” White was not on the sideline for the incident but added that, if he were, he may have done something “out of character.”

Fans on the FalconsLIFE Message Boards started taking a collection to help pay any possible fines early in the week. As of 2:15 p.m. Thursday the amount had climbed above $1,100. Smith said the action is “very nice to hear” but he’s ready to move on to a new opponent and continue the season.

“It’s been the last thing on my mind since Sunday afternoon,” he said. “My focus is getting prepared and getting this team ready to play the Carolina Panthers.”

J. Michael Moore News Albert Haynesworth, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, NFL, Roddy White, Washington Redskins

Some fans may not recognize — or initially be able to pronounce — the name Will Svitek.

But they should.

The four-year veteran stepped in for Sam Baker (ankle) in the second half of Sunday’s win over Washington, playing a role in some big runs by Michael Turner.

Svitek (pronounced Svee-tech) signed with the team in the offseason to provide depth on the offensive line. He had big shoes to fill replacing retired tackle Todd Weiner, who spent his career at right and left tackle and was a valuable reserve and part-time starter for the Falcons in 2008.

Sunday’s game proved Svitek’s preparedness.

“You have to be ready at any moment and you have to prepare like you’re the starter… There’s some good and bad always; definitely some things to build on and correct but it was good to be out there playing football,” Svitek said.

Svitek’s life story isn’t that of the typical NFL player.

He was born in the Czech Republic and came to the United States with his family and three siblings before the fall of the Berlin Wall. The family left in secret, hiking over the Alps and into Austria.

“Long story, but basically it was because of Communism,” Svitek said. “My parents wanted their four children to grow up in freedom and achieve the American dream. They sacrificed everything and risked everything so we could come here in 1984.”

Svitek started playing football in seventh grade and later attended Stanford. The Chiefs selected him in the sixth round of the 2005 draft but shoulder surgeries on a torn labrum put his career in jeopardy.

He missed the 2008 season in rehab but the Falcons cleared him to play and signed him in February.

He’s the primary backup at left tackle but said he also prepares to play on the right side. He was inactive for three games earlier in the season but has played in the past three contests.

Baker, the team’s starter at left tackle and first-round pick from a season ago, did not practice Wednesday giving Svitek additional reps.

Normally he’s left to prepare for linemen like Julius Peppers with mental reps and game film.

Given his progress in the Falcons system — and challenges from his life and career — it shouldn’t be too hard to get ready.

“You have to do a little extra on the mental side watching film and watching practice because, once you’re in there, there are no excuses,” Svitek said. “Obviously Peppers is one of the premier defensive ends in the league. I’m going to prepare like I have the last eight games… I feel I’ll be ready. I’ve got to be ready; that’s my job.”

J. Michael Moore Feature, News Carolina Panthers, Czech Republic, Free Agency, Julius Peppers, Kansas City Chiefs, Michael Turner, Sam Baker, Todd Weiner, Washington Redskins, Will Svitek

Falcons running back Michael Turner is up for FedEx Ground Player of the Week on NFL.com for his performance in a victory over the Washington Redskins Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

Turner rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in the 31-17 victory. He also caught two passes for 14 yards. Turner is going against Titans running back Chris Johnson (135 yards and two scores) and Bengals running back Cedric Benson (117 yards and one touchdown).

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR TURNER ON NFL.COM

Turner was named NFC Offensive Player of the week three times in 2008 and then-rookie quarterback Matt Ryan was named NFC Rookie of the Month for October. Wide receiver Harry Douglas also won an NFC award last year, being named Special Teams Player of the Week after a touchdown on a punt return against Carolina.

Earlier this year, safety Thomas DeCoud was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

DeCoud, a second-year player out of Cal, earned the honor after his two-interception performance against the Bears in Week 6.

He was the first Falcons defensive player to earn conference honors since 2006, when efensive end John Abraham (Week 1) and safety Lawyer Milloy (Week 13) earned won the award. Twenty-three Falcons Players have earned NFC Defensive Player of the week in franchises history, with the first coming in 1988.

J. Michael Moore Awards, News Awards, Cedric Benson, Chris Johnson, Harry Douglas, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFC, NFL.com, Thomas DeCoud, Washington Redskins

More cameras than usually filled the media room in Flowery Branch Monday afternoon for Head Coach Mike Smith’s weekly press conference.

It wasn’t long before questions moved toward a very non-football topic.

Smith was asked again about an incident on the sideline in Sunday’s win over the Redskins where former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with Atlanta coaches and players. The skirmish broke out after Redskins safety LaRon Landry was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Matt Ryan.

After the game Hall said he was accosted by coaches and he would file a formal complaint with the NFL.

Smith said he watched film of the game multiple times and he hasn’t thought about Hall’s comments.

“Our quarterback was hit late out of bounds on the sideline and we were trying to restore order on our sideline,” Smith said. “I haven’t even thought about (Hall’s comments). Today is Monday and we are on to the Carolina Panthers.”

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/189337/189337_2009-11-09-153855.flv

“I watch all three phases of the game at least two and sometimes three times every week,” added Smith. “We’re finishing up our work on the Washington Redskins and at about 4 o’clock we’ll be moving on to Carolina. I just work like I normally do and watch the tape.”

With that the Falcons turn attention to a division opponent that has won only three games this season. The Panthers got additional bad news Sunday when it was announced starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis will be out for the year with a torn ACL.

Smith spoke more of the Panthers effectiveness in the running game but with the Falcons play on offense and defense over the last two weeks, fans have reason to be excited.

The coach said defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (10 tackles, 2.5 sacks) may have “played his best game as an Atlanta Falcon” against the Redskins. Cornerback Tye Hill, starting his second game with the team since a preseason trade, also got an interception and a score.

Smith declined to name a starter at left cornerback for this week’s game but said the team is growing more comfortable with Hill, a former first-round pick.

“Tye continues to progress,” Smith said. “That was a big play for him on the 64-yard interception return and he’s continuing to become more comfortable in our system and we are continuing to become more comfortable with Tye.”

On the injury front, Smith did not reveal details on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. Left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) also left, but Smith was encouraged by the play of reserve offensive lineman Will Svitek, who had a key block on Michael Turner’s second-half touchdown run.

The coach is “very hopeful” injured running backs Jason Snelling (hamstring) and Jerious Norwood (hip) and defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf) will be able to return to the field soon.

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Babineaux, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Sam Baker, Thomas Johnson, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins, Will Svitek

Much easier to identify key points from a Falcons loss than list all the accolades from a big win.

“Win as a team, lose as a team” seems very appropriate after the Falcons 31-17 win over the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon. We can highlight Michael Turner’s big runs, but that was the talk of gameday.

Instead, let’s take a moment to give some props to the defense.

The unit entered Sunday’s game ranked 17th in the league in opponent points per game (a key stat to remember before poring over pass or run yardage). Sunday the Falcons got their second defensive score in as many games and helped the Redskins extend a less-than-flattering streak of not scoring more than 17 points in 2009.

The Falcons have recorded at least one interception in six of eight games this season and, entering Week 9, helped the team to a plus-4 turnover margin (eighth in the NFL). Atlanta has just one game without a sack this season and Sunday tied a team record with five sacks in the first half.

All this with a new starter at cornerback (Tye Hill) and two Week 1 starters (Brian Williams and Peria Jerry) on injured reserve.

Not bad at all.

Before we get into Birdseed, here are some things to look for in Head Coach Mike Smith’s Monday press conference:

• Injury updates. Smitty usually doesn’t reveal details on injuries on Monday, but we may get a little more info on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left the game with a knee injury.
• The skirmish. Likely some follow-up questions on the incident on the sideline between DeAngelo Hall and the Falcons bench after a late hit penalty.
• Second half slowdown. Smith talked at length last week about his team’s need to play for 60 minutes. Whether it was good adjustments by the Redskins or a letdown, the Falcons had only one possession in the third quarter and the Redskins scored 14 unanswered points. I guess that’s what 24-3 halftime leads are for.

Complete Falcons-Redskins Coverage, AF.com
For additional stats and highlight videos, visit the official NFL.com Game Center.

Smith leads Falcons again — in game and rumble, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The Falcons responded to their first two-game losing streak under Smith by doing what good teams do. They beat a bad team.”

Redskins’ Hall accuses two Falcons coaches of misconduct in melee, NFL.com
Going to throw this into Birdseed for record-keeping purposes. My gut is that the whole thing is going to fade into the background.

Falcons End Uneven Effort With 31-17 Win Over Redskins, The Falcoholic
I almost forgot about Jonathan Babineaux! Actually, I did until The Falcoholic reminded me. Great game by the defensive tackle.

Turner busts Washington for 166 yards, 2 TDs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Turner fantasy owners rejoice!

Hill’s interception boosts Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not only the interception, but the interception return… The Falcons defense is doing something it didn’t do much last season: scoring.

Zorn cautious about Portis’ return, The Washington Post
Great photo of the hit that put Clinton Portis out of the game after the link.

Atlanta Falcons end two-game losing streak with 31-17 win over Washington, Examiner.com
Ending the losing streak was crucial at this point of the season. With two road games ahead, the Falcons are in position to make a run.

Falcons’ Archer to speak at TD Club,  Macon Telegraph
Mark your calendars for color analyst and former Falcons quarterback Dave Archer.

Redskins go down fighting, The Washington Post
Some thoughts on the game from the Redskins paper of record.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Clinton Portis, Dave Archer, DeAngelo Hall, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jonathan Babineaux, Macon Telegraph, Michael Turner, NFL.com, The Falcoholic, The Washington Post, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins

I finally figured out what makes Michael Turner so good.

He’s actually a sophisticated football robot sent from the future to power the Falcons through the rest of the 2009 season. Or maybe, simply, he’s one of those FOX Sports‘ machines with skin.

Whatever the true identity — or superhuman ability — the Pro Bowl running back and his Terminator-like qualities were appreciated at the Georgia Dome in the Falcons 31-17 win over the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon.

Turner rushed for 166 yards and a pair of scores, including a 58-yard run that put the game out of reach for a Washington team that still hasn’t scored more than 17 points in a game this season.

“I was trying to get some explosiveness and spark the team a little bit,” Turner said. “We just go out there and make big plays. It was just happening out there. I really can’t explain it.”

Maybe the secrecy is to protect the Falcons trade secret. After all, this is a team that finished No. 2 in the NFL in rushing yards last season. But, for whatever reason, the run game was slow out of the gate in 2009.

Turner had just one 100-yard game before last week. Now he seems to be the Turner of old giving the Falcons an offensive weapon on the ground, a decoy for the passing game and a battering ram to run out the clock.

With Turner setting up the play-action passing game, quarterback Matt Ryan threw for an efficient 135 yards and a touchdown (81.1 passer rating). Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez had the team’s lone receiving touchdown. He was also the team’s leading receiver (five catches for 41 yards).

Atlanta took a 24-3 lead into halftime but the Redskins re-tooled the run game in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points before the Falcons held the ball for more than 2:15.

Turner’s second touchdown run came with 11:23 left in the fourth quarter and proved enough to put the game away. On the next drive, the Falcons defense got a stop on fourth-and-1 and, further contributing to the Redskins continued offensive futility.

Atlanta recorded five sacks in the game — all in the first half — and got an interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Tye Hill.

“There was some great pressure by the defensive line, the defensive backs and the linebackers” defensive end John Abraham said. “I think we did a great job of containing him and and keeping him in the pocket. We let him get out of the pocket a few times, and he got a few yards on us but, all in all, we did a good job in the first half.”

The “him” Abraham refers to is Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who twice left the game with an injury (the second time for good) and threw for 196 yards and a score. He was also the team’s second-leading rusher.

All-Pro running back Clinton Portis left the game in the first half with a head injury after compiling 4 yards on four rushes.

With the win, the Falcons bounce back after losing back-to-back games for the first time in the Mike Smith era. A date with division foe Carolina awaits next week.

“I talked to (the team) about the importance of coming off a short week that we were going to make sure that we were physically ready to go and in practice we did not practice in pads,” Smith said, mentioning the team’s Monday night loss in New Orleans. “We wanted to make sure that we were mentally ready (and) prepared for the ball game. It wasn’t a big message; they were aware of it. I thought that the guys came out and played extremely hard and they were mentally on top of their game.”

The win comes with hard work from all three phases of the Falcons’ game.

But the revival of Turner’s big play ability has Falcons fans looking back to the success of 2008. Ironically at this point last season the Falcons were 5-3 and getting ready to face a divisional opponent.

“The important thing is that we’re in the mix,” Ryan said. “Now it’s going to come down to how we play in November and December. These last two months are crucially important to our football team and we’re excited to take the challenge head on. Our goal is to make sure we win as many games s possible down the stretch.”

Having Turner’s game firing on all cylinders certainly helps the cause.

We all knew he’d be back.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-REDSKINS GAME:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete game coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive interviews from the Falcons-Redskins game
• INTERVIEWS: Postgame interviews and more from AF.com
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com managing editor
• GAME NOTES: Milestones and more from the Falcons-Redskins game
• GAME QUOTES: Falcons postgame locker room | Redskins
• INACTIVES: Game inactives and starting lineups
• IMAGES: Photos from the game from photographer Jimmy Cribb
• FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE

J. Michael Moore Gameday Clinton Portis, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Campbell, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins

This just in  from the “Did that Just Happen?” department…

The Falcons took a 24-3 lead into the locker room at halftime of Sunday’s matchup against the Redskins but not before fisticuffs nearly erupted on the home sideline.

With 1:37 left in the opening half, quarterback Matt Ryan scrambled for a first down and stepped out of bounds in front of his bench. Redskins safety LaRon Landry made the stop and pushed Ryan down out of bounds. A flag was thrown for a late hit and, quicker than a slant pattern, Falcons players found themselves in the midst of a pushing and yelling match with former Atlanta cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

Head Coach Mike Smith was in the midst of the scuffle, which took about two minutes to break up. His facial expression and passion was reminiscent of a similar play in 2008, when he and Tampa Bay wideout Antonio Bryant exchanged words.

During the chaos, defensive tackle defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was also flagged for unnecessary roughness.

Atlanta went on to finish the drive with a field goal.

The event was a physical manifestation of emotion that built throughout the first half. The Falcons sacked Washington quarterback Jason Campbell five times, tying a team record. The Redskins defense also kept pressure on Ryan, sacking him three times and forcing an interception.

Other Atlanta scores came off an interception return by Tye Hill, a touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez and a 30-yard Michael Turner run.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Campbell, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins