Cincinnati picked off three Matt Ryan passes while Andy Dalton did not have a turnover for the second straight game, as the Bengals defeated the Atlanta Falcons 24-10 on Sunday. The Bengals lost star receiver AJ Green during the first series to a toe injury. Green did not return, but the Bengals were able to overcome the loss.
The first drive for the Bengals, the one where they lost AJ Green for the game, eventually led to a 31 yard field goal from Mike Nugent. It would turn out to be Nugent's only field goal after last week's five field goal performance. However, Nugent missed three other field goals later in the game.
Atlanta answered with a 46 yard field goal of their own from Matt Bryant. The Bengals had a chance to reclaim the lead, but Nugent missed his second field goal attempt of the game from 38 yards out to the right. Nugent would also miss on Cincinnati's next possession from 49 yards out to keep the score at 3-3.
Atlanta had a chance to get a touchdown midway through the second quarter, but Matt Ryan's pass to Julio Jones in the end zone was broken up George Iloka.
Late in the second quarter, Giovani Bernard punched the ball in from four yards out to give the Bengals a 10-3 lead. The Bengals had one last chance to get points on the board, but Nugent's 55 yard field goal was short and the game stood at 10-3 going into halftime.
Cincinnati extended their lead even further in the third quarter when Dalton threw a quick skinny post to Mohamed Sanu. Robert Alford had poor position and was unable to knock the ball down, which allowed Sanu to run costless for the 76 yard touchdown. Cincinnati led 17-3, but they were not done.
Atlanta's next drive saw Matt Ryan's pass tipped and then intercepted by a diving Leon Hall at the Atlanta 43 yard line. Eight plays later, Jeremy Hill ran in from a yard out to make it 24-3 in favor of the Bengals.
Near the end of the third quarter, the Falcons were driving, but Ryan's pass to Harry Douglas was behind and over his head, which gave Iloka the perfect opportunity to secure his first interception.
The Falcons got a consolation touchdown midway through the fourth quarter when Ryan hit Julio Jones for a 14 yard touchdown. Iloka got his second pick when he intercepted Ryan's Hail Mary at the end of the game to prevent the Falcons from scoring again.
Matt Ryan finished 24 off 44 for 231 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions. Steven Jackson had 11 carries for 46 yards. Julio Jones had 7 catches for 88 yards and a touchdown to lead the Falcons.
Andy Dalton went 15 of 23 for 252 yards and an interception. Mohamed Sanu also threw a pass to Brandon Tate for a 50 yard completion. Sanu was the leading receiver in Green's absence with 3 catches for 84 yards and the 79 yard touchdown.
Giovani Bernard had 27 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown. Bernard also caught 5 passes for 79 yards. Jeremy Hill added 74 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
Atlanta (1-1) has a short turnaround with a home game versus Tampa Bay (0-1) on Thursday night. Cincinnati (2-0) looks to continue their undefeated start next with a home date against Tennessee (1-1). The Bengals will have a bye in week 4.