ST. LOUIS-- Game Notes from the Falcons-Rams preseason game at Edward Jones Dome on Aug. 21, 2009.
The Falcons engineered a nine-play, 77-yard scoring drive on their opening offensive possession of the game. Running back Michael Turnercapped the drive with a one-yard touchdown and contributed with 65 yards on the drive.
*
Running back Michael Turner rushed for a 43-yard gain on Atlanta's second play of the opening offensive drive. The carry was the longest for Turner in a preseason game since a 63-yard scamper against Indianapolis last year (August 16, 2008) at the Georgia Dome and topped last week's rushing long of 40 yards at Detroit.
*
In two preseason contests, running back Michael Turner has logged 13 carries for 128 yards (9.85 average), two touchdowns and a long carry of 43 yards (Turner's long rush against Detroit went for a 40-yard touchdown).
*
Tight end Tony Gonzalezcaught his first touchdown pass in a Falcons uniform on a 14-yard strike from quarterback Matt Ryanon the team's second drive of the game, giving Atlanta a 14-0 lead. On the drive Gonzalez caught two passes for 25 yards, which included one first down.Atlanta's second scoring drive of the game consisted of an eight-play, 70-yard drive, which included wide receiver Roddy White's contribution of three receptions for 38 yards and a long catch of 18 yards. White led the team in receiving for the second consecutive week with three receptions for 38 yards.
*
Matt Ryan completed seven of eight passes (86 percent) for 81 yards and one touchdown for a 148.4 passer rating against the Rams. In two preseason games thus far, he has completed 12 of 15 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown for a 120.5 rating.
* The Falcons defense held St. Louis scoreless for the entire first quarter. Following an interception, the Rams started their third offensive drive in Atlanta territory and added a field goal in the second quarter
*
Atlanta's rush defense held the Rams to 79 yards on 30 carries for an 2.6 average.
*
Falcons fourth round draft pick Lawrence Sidburyrecorded two sacks (eight yards and six yards). His first sack came on a third down in the second quarter to force a punt. The Falcons held St. Louis quarterback Kyle Boller to 9 of 16 passing for 91 yards.
*
Falcons cornerback Christopher Owensrecovered a Rams fumble with under two minutes remaining in the first half to stall a potential St. Louis scoring drive. Linebacker Stephen Nicholasforced the fumble.
*
Kicker Jason Elam recorded a 34-yard field goal at the 4:29 mark in the third quarter to give the Falcons a 17-10 lead. He added his second of the day on a 27-yard attempt with 3:20 in the fourth quarter to give the Falcons a 20-13 lead.
MORE FROM THE FALCONS-RAMS GAME:
GAMEDAY LIVE:Complete gameday coverage from AF.com
*
GAME CENTER:Stats and more on the game from NFL.com
*
FIRST TAKE:Head Coach Mike Smith | Gonzalez | Sidbury | Ryan | Wilson
*
NFL NETWORK:Game Highlights | Ryan Highlights | Turner Highlights
*
FORUMS:Talk about the game on FalconsLIFE
*
QUOTES:Transcript from the Falcons locker room | Rams
*
GAME NOTES:Official game notes from the Edward Jones Dome
*
PHOTOS:Images from the Falcons preseason game in St. Louis
