Quarterback Matt Ryan scores three touchdowns as Atlanta Falcons thrash San Diego Chargers – NFL Recap
After winning their first two games, San Diego Chargers would not have dreamed of getting such a beating at home as they lost 27-3 in Week 3 game against Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, September 23, 2012.
Falcons continued their winning run to reach 3-0. They were not bothered by playing two games in a short span and by having a long flight to play the game at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California.
The game did not go as expected when the two unbeaten teams clashed with each other. It was a one-sided encounter as Falcons completely overwhelmed the woeful Chargers.
Quarterback Matt Ryan was instrumental in his team’s victory. He scored three touchdowns with passes to three different wide receivers in a dominating performance by Falcons offence. In his postgame press conference, Ryan said:
“We've had this success because our guys come out and play good football. There is no magic to it. We have a plan in terms of how we want our guys to prepare for the game, both physically and mentally and it's worked for us."
It was Chargers’ lowest score since the 2002 season. Their performance was unimpressive as they had looked unstoppable in the first two weeks.
Also, it was one of the worst performances ever by Chargers veteran quarterback Philip Rivers. He ended up with 21 of 38 for a total of 173 yards. According to the Associated Press, Rivers said:
"I can't think of one where we haven't scored a touchdown in nine years. The way you lose games in this league (is) you turn it over. You turn it over four times and they turn it over once, late in the game, your chances of winning are pretty slim."
Ryan started the game on a high as he led Falcons to a 6-0 score in the first quarter with an eight-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jacquizz Rodgers.
In the second quarter, Ryan then threw a seven-yard pass to wide receiver Tony Gonzalez, who scored a touchdown.
With less than one minute remaining in the first half, Ryan scored his third and final touchdown with a nine-yard pass to wide receiver Julio Jones. The first half finished with 20-0.
Chargers finally opened their scoring chart in the third quarter with a 41-yard field goal by kicker Nate Kaeding. The quarter ended at 20-3.
In the final quarter, Falcons struck again as running back Michael Turner ran for seven yards to reach the end zone. The game finished 27-3.
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