The Falcons looked to come out Sunday and avenge their crushing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. They got out to a big lead – 24-6 at halftime – but lost it quickly in the third quarter as the Cincinnati Bengals blazed a comeback to take a 25-24 lead. But Roddy White proved to be the hero once again, scoring his second touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter to help put the Bengals away by a score of 39-32
Roddy makes 'em Rowdy
Roddy White recorded the second-most receiving yards of his career Sunday against the Bengals, which might be the most shadowed accomplishment of the day for the receiver. White was the key that made the Falcons' offense go Sunday, catching a huge 46-yard pass on the Falcons' first drive to set up a 3-yard Brian Finneran touchdown. White also hauled in an amazing one-handed catch, had a spectacular bobbled catch for a touchdown in the first half, caught another TD in the second half and went sky-high for a crucial two-point conversion. Is there nothing White can't do?
First half triple threat
White, Matt Ryan and Michael Turner were all they were advertised to be in the first half. Turner rushed for 87 yards in the half while Ryan threw for 189 on 13-of-16 passes. The three threats were totally in synch with one another as they put up 24 points in the half. While the Bengals were able to comeback in the third quarter, the Falcons' offense never really lost the rhythm it established during the first two quarters, thanks to Ryan, White and Turner.
T.Ocho show canceled
Much of the talk surrounding Sunday's game centered around Bengals wide receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. The two star wideouts had productive days, combining for more than 100 yards receiving, but for the most part, the two were held in check. With Dunta Robinson on the sidelines for the Falcons, Christopher Owens stepped up and helped Brent Grimes contain the two prolific receivers at the cornerback positions.
Anchorman
Brian Williams has quietly been a very serviceable member of the Falcons' secondary. Coming in during nickelback situations Sunday, Williams continued his quiet ways through the first half. In the fourth quarter, however, with the Bengals threatening to take their lead back, running back Cedric Benson bobbled the ball and had it knocked into the backfield. Williams came out of nowhere and scooped it up and had nothing but green in front of him, but he fell and maintained possession. The play took the momentum right away from Cincinnati.
Scary moments
There were a couple of moments during Sunday's game when Falcons fans must have held their collective breath. During the first quarter, White went to the sideline and looked to be in pain. As he knelt, four trainers worked on what looked to be an eye issue. Whatever it was, he was able to return to the game and it didn't affect him the rest of the way. In the fourth quarter, Ryan took a spear tackle and stayed on the ground. After a minute passed, Ryan was back on his feet but walking gingerly to the sideline. One play with Chris Redman in at the QB spot and Ryan was back in the game.
