Matt Ryan scores four touchdowns as Atlanta Falcons thrash Kansas City Chiefs – NFL Recap
Atlanta Falcons showed off their offensive muscles as they beat Kansas City Chiefs 40-24 in their Week 1 game on Sunday, September 09, 2012 at Arrowhead Stadium.
Quarterback Matt Ryan was at the peak of his game as he scored four touchdowns during the game. He also covered 299 yards.
It was a welcome start for veteran wide receiver Tony Gonzalez who has entered his 16th and final season in the league. Gonzalez has played 12 seasons for the Chiefs.
Gonzales was able to score a touchdown in the final minutes against his former team. According to the Associated Press, Gonzalez said:
"It's been like a homecoming for me, I just want all the fans to know, 'I love you very much and thank you for letting this day be special.'"
The game was neck-and-neck during the first half, but Ryan Succop’s missed field goal early in the second half was a turnaround for Falcons who then dominated the game.
It was not a very pleasant game for the defensive team of both the sides. Chiefs’ defence was particularly vulnerable as they were without four of their starters due to injuries or suspensions.
Talking about the absence of their starters, Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel said:
"The fact that they weren't there, really no one cares, because all anyone wants to know is did you win or did you lose, and we lost today."
Falcons were on top of their game as Ryan started the first series of play early in the game. He gave an eight-yard pass to Julio Jones to score the first touchdown.
Then Succop scored for the Chiefs with a 39-yard field goal after which Falcons’ Matt Bryant got one field goal to make the score 10-3.
Chiefs levelled the score coming into the second quarter as Matt Cassell gave a 22-yard pass to Kevin Boss for a touchdown.
Ryan then put the Falcons ahead with another touchdown. He spotted Jones down the field for a 22-yard pass to reach the end zone.
Cassel went through a five-yard run to score a touchdown later. First half finished with Falcons leading 20-17.
In the third quarter, it was all Flacons’ offence punishing Chiefs’ miserable defence. Ryan got a rushing touchdown early in third quarter.
He scored again after just one minute as he threw a seven-yard pass to Gonzalez who reached the end zone to gain a handsome advantage.
The fourth quarter saw two field goals from Bryant, after which Chiefs scored a touchdown. Falcons’ offence looked a dominant force with Ryan in prime.
Cassell was disappointed with Chiefs’ performance, but he was upbeat for a fight back in the next game. He said:
"It's only one game in a long season. We obviously have to make a lot of corrections and get better as a football team. We've got to play collectively."
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