The game that was
From the outset, the Falcons controlled the mismatch against the hapless Colts. The 31-7 victory, coupled with New Orleans’ 27-16 win over Tampa Bay, set up a showdown for first place.
What we learned
1. The defense can overwhelm a young quarterback. Indianapolis' Curtis Painter was rendered ineffective. The Colts were held to 10 first downs and 186 total yards, both season lows. The defense, with Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherspoon leading the way, allowed Indianapolis across midfield just twice, with the Colts' deepest penetration going to the Falcons' 33. The defense forced nine punts as it stopped the Colts on 10 of 14 third downs.
2. Julio Jones' hamstring is healed. The Falcons' rookie receiver said he could have played against Detroit on Oct. 23, but the team wanted to be extra cautious with his left hamstring injury. While Jones wanted to play sooner, he noted he probably would not have pulled away from the entire Colts secondary on the short slant pattern that he turned into an 80-yard touchdown if he didn't have the extra rest. Jones likes the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium; that's where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds at the NFL scouting combine on a broken foot.
3. Matt Ryan had some rough patches. The Falcons could have demolished the Colts even sooner if Ryan was on target early. He missed nine of his first 14 passes before getting hot. He connected on nine of his last 10 before he went into handoff mode. Ryan finished with 275 yards passing and three touchdowns. He had a passer rating of 120.7. It was his highest rating of the season and just the second game that he's been over 100 this season. He had a 101.1 passer rating against Carolina on Oct. 26.
Injury report
Safety William Moore (thigh) and defensive tackle Corey Peters (knee) were injured in the game and did not return. Falcons coach Mike Smith said he’ll have an update on Moore on Wednesday; he doesn’t expect Peters to miss any time.
The numbers game
24
The margin of defeat was the Colts’ worst at home since a 31-3 loss to Seattle in 1997.
45.9
Rookie punter Matt Bosher’s average on seven punts. It was easily his best day in the NFL.
12
Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton led the defense with a team-high 12 tackles.
29
The defense held the Colts to 4 of 14 (29 percent) on third-down conversions. The Falcons didn’t allow the Colts to convert a third down in the second half.
44
Rookie running back Jacquizz Rodgers had 10 carries for 44 yards, both career highs.
11-4
The Falcons' record in November during 3 1/2 seasons under Smith.
Sound bite
“We want to put a streak together. The last three games, we are playing the football that we want to play. This is a great start.”
-- wide receiver Harry Douglas on the Falcons' three-game winning streak.
Loose ends
The Falcons doubled-up the Colts in yardage by outgaining them 432-186. ... Defensive tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Peters both had sacks. ... Left tackle Will Svitek’s holding call was the Falcons’ only penalty.
What’s next
The Falcons (5-3) will face the New Orleans Saints (6-3) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome. This will mark the 84th meeting, with the Falcons holding a 45-38 advantage.
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