Font ResizePeyton Manning kept throwing wobbly passes. The Atlanta Falcons kept picking them off.
Taking advantage of a stunning three interceptions in the first quarter, Matt Ryan and the Falcons built a big lead and held on for a 27-21 victory over the visiting Denver Broncos on Monday night.
Ryan threw the 100th touchdown pass of his career, Roddy White had 102 yards receiving, and the Falcons made a 20-0 lead stand.
Willis McGahee scored on two 2-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to give the Broncos late hope.
But on third down, Ryan connected with Julio Jones on a 6-yard pass that gave Atlanta a crucial first down with less than two minutes to go. They ran out the clock from there.
For Manning and the Broncos, it's back to the drawing board.
Manning threw a number of passes that seemed to hang in the air long enough for the Falcons to step in front of them. Other times, it looked as though he had to put everything he had on the ball to get it where he wanted, even if it wasn't a deep route. He finished 24 of 37 for 241 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown pass just before halftime. Ryan was much more efficient, completing 24 of 36 for 219 yards and two scores.
Redskins: Two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo (torn pectoral muscle) and defensive end Adam Carriker (torn quadriceps) were declared out for the season after injuries suffered Sunday during a loss to the St. Louis Rams.
Saints: The NFL presented Jonathan Vilma and his attorney a sworn statement from former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams saying the linebacker placed a $10,000 bounty on Brett Favre.
Vilma met with commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday in New York about his suspension, which has been temporarily lifted by an appeals panel.
Attorney Peter Ginsberg said they were given an affidavit at the meeting.
"What Gregg Williams said in his most recent affidavit is the same falsity he has previously provided," Ginsberg said.
Vilma tweeted Monday night that Williams was "bullied to sign the affidavit," saying Williams signed it on Friday.
Patriots: Coach Bill Belichick said there is no timetable for tight end Aaron Hernandez's return from an ankle injury.
Asked if Hernandez had broken any bones, Belichick said, "I don't really have any update on his status. I think they're still looking at him."
Giants: Tackle David Diehl (knee), running back Ahmad Bradshaw (neck) and wide receiver Domenik Hixon (concussion) were held out of practice.
Browns: Tight end Alex Smith was briefly hospitalized with a concussion after Sunday's loss in Cincinnati and is listed as day-to-day.
Rams: Offensive tackle Rodger Saffold will be out at least a month because of a third-degree medial collateral ligament sprain and other damage to his right knee.
