Falcons-Rams Game Notes

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 Turner capped 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 Gonzalez caught his first touchdown pass in a Falcons uniform on a 14-yard strike from quarterback Matt Ryan on 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 Sidbury recorded 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 Owens recovered a Rams fumble with under two minutes remaining in the first half to stall a potential St. Louis scoring drive. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas forced 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
• BLOGS: J. Michael Moore's blog posts from Aug. 21, 2009
• 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