Falcons 24, Giants 20

A quarter-by-quarter look at the Falcons’ 24-20 victory against the New York Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

“If feels great,” wide receiver Julio Jones said. “A new year, a new start. If feels great to be 2-0.”

FIRST QUARTER

Big play: On first-and-10 from New York's 41, the Falcons slipped fullback Patrick DiMarco downfield and Ryan found him for a 19-yard gain. The play kept alive a 13-play touchdown drive. The Falcons had four plays that went for 10 yards or more in the drive. Running back Tevin Coleman scored on a 1-yard run around left end. He later left the game with a rib injury.

Turning point: The Falcons' defense, which gave up 120 yards rushing to the Giants last season, stopped the Giants cold on their first possession. Without a rushing attack, the Giants' opening drive stalled.

The takeaway: The Falcons dominated the time of possession 9:51 to 5:09, with two long drives. But they didn't score any points at the end of their first possession, which lasted for 11 plays.

Score: Falcons 7, Giants 0

SECOND QUARTER

Big play: Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. broke free for a 67-yard touchdown catch-and-run. He beat Robert Alford inside and his over-the-top help, Ricardo Allen, whiffed on the tackle attempt. He was later replaced by Robenson Therezie, a rookie from Auburn.

Turning point: The Beckham touchdown play led to a tie at 10 and helped quarterback Eli Manning get into a rhythm.

The takeaway: The free safety can't miss tackles. The Falcons had nine missed tackles against the Eagles.

Score: Giants 13, Falcons 10

THIRD QUARTER

Big play: New York flanked tight end Larry Donnell outside. He's 6 feet 6 and was in one-on-one coverage with Alford, who's 5-11. Donnell scored on a 10-yard touchdown grab to put the Giants up 20-10.

Turning point: On third-and-2 from Atlanta's 8-yard line, linebacker Kroy Biermann had a sack and strip of Manning. The ball was recovered by defensive tackle Paul Soliai. The turnover kept the Falcons from going down by 17 points.

The takeaway: This defense is going to keep fighting through difficult times.

Score: Giants 20, Falcons 10

FOURTH QUARTER

Big play 1.: On third-and-9 from the Giants' 10, Ryan threw a high pass to Leonard Hankerson, who hauled it down for a touchdown while in double coverage. The score pulled the Falcons within 20-17.

Big play 2: Ryan's 37-yard pass to Julio Jones moved the ball to the 1 with 1:46 to play. Two plays later, Devonta Freeman slammed in from 2 yards out for the touchdown.

Turning point: The defense forced a punt, but the Falcons couldn't move into scoring range and punted. After a nice return 29-yard return by Dwayne Harris, the Giants had the ball at the their 38 with 4:24 to play. The Giants were forced to punt.

The takeaway: The Falcons may give up some big plays, but look much improved and did a good job of getting off the field on third down.