DETROIT — The Falcons might’ve found their groove in Motown.
Matt Ryan ran and threw for touchdowns to give Atlanta a double-digit lead in the first half, and the Falcons held on to win 23-16 in Detroit on Sunday.
The defending NFC South champion Falcons (4-3) won consecutive games for the first time this season because they finally played well in all three phases on the same day.
“Good teams go on streaks,” Atlanta coach Mike smith said. “You can’t just keep yo-yoing up and down.”
The Lions (5-2) have lost their luster with two straight losses — both at home — after their perfect start. Their formerly fired-up fans have started to boo, moan and groan.
“We don’t deserve their cheers if we’re going to play like that,” Lions guard Rob Sims said. “It’s just that simple.”
The Lions had a chance to get Ford Field back on their side. But on Detroit’s final drive, a pass-interference penalty against Atlanta was overturned because instant replay showed defensive tackle Corey Peters had slightly grazed the ball.
Instead of having the ball at the Falcons 26, the Lions were backed up to the 41 and Matthew Stafford threw an incomplete pass on the next play to turn it over on downs and injured his right ankle, knee — or both.
“To tell the truth I can’t really tell right now,” Stafford said.
