The Atlanta Falcons won a thriller today, 30-28 over the Carolina Panthers. Matt Bryant kicked two field goals in the final five minutes including his 40 yard field goal with ten seconds left to seal the win.
The Falcons vaunted defense had a rough time handling Cam Newton, as the Panthers scored the most points against the Falcons this season. The Falcons didn't have an interception for the first time in a game this season, but they did record three sacks, including one on the final play by defensive end John Abraham.
Matt Ryan had another superb day, throwing for 369 yards and three touchdowns but he did throw an interception, which is only his second this year in four games. Michael Turner finally had a productive game, rushing for 103 yards, easily his highest output so far this year. He also had three catches, including a 60 yard touchdown catch, the first touchdown reception of his nine year career.
Wide receiver Roddy White had a fantastic day, including the biggest catch of the day. With the Falcons pinned on their own one yard line and less than a minute to go, Ryan threw a pass that White hauled in for a 59 yard catch. It was a tremendous catch that helped set up Bryant's field goal, and ultimately another Falcons victory. White finished the day with eight catches for 169 yards.
The Falcons improved to 4-0 on the year. They are the first Falcons team to do that since they were led by Michael Vick back in 2004. Next week they will try to improve to 5-0 and they have to beat the Washington Redskins to do so. Quarterback Robert Griffin III, or RG3, has given the Redskins new life, so it should be a tough match for Atlanta, but ultimately another Falcons win.
Roddy White hauls in a 59 yard pass from Matt Ryan to help set up Matt Bryant's game-winning field goal.
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The Atlanta Braves won today 6 to 2 over the New York Mets, and took two of three from the Mets. It was Chipper Jones' final home game of his career, as the longtime Atlanta Brave is hanging it up after this season. Also, Kris Medlen picked up the win, and set an MLB record, as the Braves have won 23 straight starts when Medlen pitches.
Medlen, who was inserted into the rotation mid way through the season, finishes the year with a 10-1 record, and gives the Braves four starters with more than 10 wins. Medlen was tied with the legendary pitchers Carl Hubbell and Whitey Ford before his win today. Being mentioned with those names shows the level Medlen is pitching at.
But the big story of the day was of course Chipper Jones. The fan favorite third baseman played his final home game and the Braves sent him out on a high note. They hope to send him out in even greater style this post-season by winning a World Series. He made a few spectacular defensive plays in the game that gave the fans something to cheer about along with a third inning single. Catcher David Ross delivered the big blow for the Braves, with a three-run home run in the second inning and the Braves never looked back. Also, Cy Young candidate and closer Craig Kimbrel picked up his 42nd save, continuing his dominating season.
The Braves begin a three game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates tomorrow. This series features the final three games of the year before the post-season. Paul Maholm pitches for the Braves, he is looking for his 14th win of the year. Former Braves minor leaguer Jeff Locke takes the mound for the Pirates, he is 0-3 this season.
Chipper Jones hits a single in the third inning against the Mets. It was Chippers' final home game of his storied career.
Photo Courtesy of sports.yahoo.com
So far in this Atlanta Falcons season, the Falcons have showed the NFL they are a team to fear. Easily beating the Kansas City Chiefs, then holding onto a victory over the Denver Broncos, and easily handling the San Diego Chargers last week, the Falcons face Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers this week.
Matt Ryan has looked unstoppable so far, throwing only one interception and having eight touchdown passes. Tony Gonzalez continues to show why he is the best tight end in the league, even though he has been around forever. Roddy White also continues to be the effective receiver he has been the past four years. Only problem is Michael Turner, who got arrested two weeks ago for a DUI, has been invisible. Turner is only averaging 51 yards a game. He has 154 yards rushing total in three games and thats thanks to a 80 yard performance last week against the Chargers. In order for the offense to fully succeed, they need Turner to perform like his old self.
The Defense has been superb so far. Thomas DeCoud has been one of the few leaders on this side of the ball. His three interceptions, along with William Moore's two interceptions, have made them a feared set of ball-hawking safties. Stephen Nicholas has 27 tackles through the first three games and his counter-part in the linebacking core, Sean Weatherspoon has 22, as they anchor this defense.
So Falcons fans, the Falcons continue their run to the Super Bowl today, with what should be an easy win against the Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton will be a tough test, but not tough enough. Falcons move to 4-o.
Michael Turner needs to pick up his play to help keep the Falcons undefeated.
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