QB Peyton Manning throws three interceptions as Atlanta Falcons win 27-21 over Denver Broncos
Atlanta Falcons limited Peyton Manning completely with a brilliant performance to secure a 27-21 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday, September 17, 2012.
Manning made a brilliant return back to the National Football League (NFL) in week 1 with a huge performance to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers, but against the Falcons his delivered the complete opposite throwing three interceptions and just a single touchdown.
Those three interceptions cost the Broncos severely with Atlanta Falcons building up a huge first half lead and even though the Broncos started to fight back it was too little too late.
Manning sounded disappointed with his performance in the post-game press conference and said:
"Each turnover has its own story that no one really wants to hear. I've just got to take care of the ball better."
All three interceptions came in the first half helping the Falcons build up a massive 20-7 lead in the first half with quarterback Matt Ryan performing wonderfully.
Ryan threw two touchdown passes including his 100th career touchdown to lead the Falcons to victory and invited praise from the Broncos four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) quarterback.
Manning said about his Falcons counterpart:
"He's an excellent player. He played well. I think he's going to have a great season and a long and great career."
The Falcons quarterback had great help from his receiver corps with Roddy White covering 102 receiving yards while Tony Gonzalez covered 70-yards and both scored a single touchdown each.
Manning struggled in the first half as the Falcons defence completely shut him down.
Falcons’ offence on the other hand looked sharp and completely dominated proceedings against the much touted Broncos defence.
Ryan helped the Falcons to build a 20-7 lead at the end of the first half.
That lead increased to 27-7 in the third quarter after Ryan connected with Roddy White with a four-yard touchdown pass at the seven minute mark.
Things changed for the Broncos in the fourth quarter as Manning started to get in the groove.
Like his younger brother Eli Manning in week 2 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Manning looked for victory after throwing three interceptions but his luck was not in.
The Broncos made things interesting scoring two touchdowns in the final quarter to bring the score to 27-21 but time was on the Falcons side as they held out for a victory to continue their unbeaten start to the season while Denver dropped to 1-1.
Manning said:
"I thought we could find a little momentum there, find some rhythm, which we did. We had a chance to win that game. I think we will learn from it and we'll be better for it."
The Broncos will look to get back to winning ways next week when they face the Houston Texans.
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