Falcons' win, despite bad officiating...

Falcons safety William Moore grabs QB Peyton Manning's first INT. Photo/ Kevin C. Cox

Going into this game last night between the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos in the Georgia Dome, all that was being told was how Denver QB Peyton Manning was back to pre injury form, and he was going to throw all over the Falcon's defense. But after the first quarter, the Falcons led 10-0, and intercepting Manning three times. The Falcons ended the game with a 27-21 victory improving 2-0, while the Broncos fell to 1-1. I give the entire Falcons organization from coaching to players that victory, great game plan. The Falcons' D was mixing up every play and it was confusing Manning all game. But be it, it is Peyton, and that means he is not going to go out without a fight. After the Falcons got up 20-7, he drove his team back to within six points with three minutes left in the game, but the Falcon's offense took over and held on to the ball to run out the clock.

The Falcons' O was steady, not spectacular, to help with the victory. QB Matt Ryan was 24-36 for 219 yards with two more passing touchdowns to give him five total on this young season. This to go along with his one score on the ground that came from the Kansas City game. WR Julio Jones had an off night, only collecting four catches on 14 yards, but that's okay because WR Roddy White lifted up the receiving corps collecting 102 yards on eight catches and one score. Again, the running game has been subpar, with RB Michael Turner only collecting 42 yards and one score. The one TD came on a goal line play, really no yards, but maybe just one.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan celebrates TD. Kevin C. Cox

But waking up this morning and heading into the office, all I heard was how bad the replacement officials are, especially on Monday Night football. To begin it all, it seemed that every play was discussed, which led to a two hour 1st quarter. Yes, two hours!!! Normally that's an entire first half. And with the game starting at 8:30 pm, the game ended close to 12:30 am. Not necessary!!! Some of the replays were necessary. For instance, Denver's first touchdown from Manning to WR Demaryius Thomas in the corner of the endzone. Thomas did drag both feet inbounds. Correct on that call. But the fumble by Denver RB Knowshon Moreno, I still don't know who really came away with the ball. Refs sided with Atlanta, so I will go with it. But there was not a legitimate view of who actually recovered the ball. But then the arguments started, and the brawl between both teams started. The officials did a poor job of keeping tempers down. And am I wrong on this, but when did a defensive pass interference become 20 yard penalty? That's exactly what happened on one play against the Atlanta defense. And instead of the ball being placed on Atlanta's 38, which it should have, it was marked at the 33. Very Bad!!!

But all around I'm glad the Falcon's are 2-0 atop the NFC South. Current standing is:

Atlanta: 2-0
Carolina: 1-1
Tampa Bay:1-1
New Orleans: 0-2

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley
I am a loving husband, father.  God and family are #1 in my life.
Kennesaw State Univ alum in Journalism. 
Academic librarian/writer/blogger. "Your thoughts are better organized 
when they are written."

But I know all this could change. The season is still young. The Falcons will travel to San Diego this upcoming Sunday on a short week to play the Chargers. Kickoff set for 4:05 pm est. Lets continue this awesome ride to 3-0.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @makirkley.