DEL.ICIO.USFalcons defense has first shutout in six years
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Oakland — Not only did the Falcons defense record its first shutout in six years, it also came away Sunday feeling rested. The defense was on the field for only 34 plays, compared to 82 offensive plays for the Falcons.
“I was joking with the guys walking in the locker room that I could play another game tomorrow and be rolling,” said Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking, which might be saying something for a 33-year-old.
Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
Falcons defensive end John Abraham had five tackles, three of them for sacks — 10 on the season.
The Falcons dominated in time of possession, holding the ball 45:15 compared to Oakland’s 14:45.
“Our offense did a great job of sustaining drives and taking up big chunks of time off the clock, especially in that first half,” Brooking said. “I was fresh.”
Sack patrol
Defensive end John Abraham had three sacks, pushing his season total to 10.
This is the earliest in a season that Abraham has reached double-digit sack totals since he did it in Week 11 of the 2001 season with the New York Jets.
Abraham also had a forced fumble, his third this season and 30th of his career. He also had three sacks in the opener against Detroit.
Defense bows
The Falcons defense bounced back after giving up a season-high 432 yards against Philadelphia, including 167 yards rushing to Brian Westbrook. It was the third time in four games that the Falcons allowed more than 400 yards.
Atlanta entered the game giving up 370.9 yards of total offense, eighth most in the league.
They held the Raiders to 77 total yards, three first down and just 34 plays.
— Staff writer Carroll Rogers contributed to this report.
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