[garron]

When it was 10-0 I thought the Falcons had come to play and had a good game plan. That ridiculous "roughing the kicker" (which wasn't) seemed to be the beginning of the end.

Falcons stuffed after quick start | ajc.com

COLTS 31, FALCONS 13
Falcons stuffed after quick start
Early 10-point vanishes under Manning's second-quarter onslaught

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/22/07

The Falcons knew going into Thursday night's game with defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis that one mistake could sink them. One mistake did -- and it arguably wasn't even a mistake. However, that's just how things have gone this season.

Atlanta had forced a punt in the highly competitive first half, one where it lead 10-0, and Falcons linebackers Demorrio Williams and Michael Boley got within arms length of blocking Hunter Smith's punt. Smith got the kick off clean then went aerial, kicked his feet out and landed on both players, whose only contact with Smith didn't come until he went Moon Bounce on their backs.

Out came a penalty flag -- running into the kicker. Next came a first down, then a touchdown, then an onslaught.

[Bette]

It was close to the half before I turned it on. I was surprised at the score.
So what happened? Just that the momentum shifted? Falcons still put on a good fight.