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After record setting performance by Ryan and Clayborn, Falcons may be back on track

Nov 12, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Now that's the Atlanta Falcons team we thought we'd see this season.

After an early interception on a tipped pass, Matt Ryan threw for two touchdowns and Adrian Clayborn had six sacks on Dak Prescott to lead the Falcons to a 27-7 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.

The Falcons looked to be in trouble early with Ryan's pass to Mohamed Sanu getting tipped and then picked off by Xavier Woods. It put the Cowboys on the Falcons 21, and Prescott was able to rush 11 yards in the end zone for an early lead.

But the defense was able to keep the Cowboys from moving the chains thanks to Clayborn. The Cowboys were without starting tackle Tyron Smith, and the Falcons took advantage. The Cowboys were able to move down the field, but penalties-- like an offensive pass interference on a fake punt-- and two fumbles taken from Prescott's hands by Clayborn helped keep points off the board from Dallas.

"I’m just happy for the win. It’s been a tough season for us. We got back on the right track," Clayborn said after the game. "It’s a long time coming. It’s finally here.

Prescott faced pressure throughout the game, also getting sacked by Dontari Poe and Brooks Reed. Prescott was 19-for-29 for 176 yards. The Falcons' sacks were the most they've had in a game since 2005.

Safety Ricardo Allen watched from the secondary. He challenged Clayborn to get more sacks after his fifth by saying, "Anyone can do it five times." Sure enough, Clayborn got his sixth. It was all part of the fun everyone on the sideline was having.

"Everybody was asking us why is nobody being negative, why is no one being down. It’s because we knew that we could put together a game like this, and we could come out clicking," Allen said. "We can do anything, man. We still that same team from last year."

The Cowboys were also without starting running back Ezekiel Elliott who began serving his six-game suspension after the 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals denied a motion for an injunction, and his suspension for domestic violence allegations was reinstated by the NFL.

Falcons running back Devonta Freeman suffered a concussion early in the game, and Tevin Coleman took majority of the carries. He was able to break free for several plays, and he scored the Falcons first touchdown from 1 yard out with defensive lineman Dontari Poe in as the fullback.

Matt Ryan spread the ball around to seven different receivers, a trademark of last season's NFC Champion offense. Ryan found Justin Hardy on the opening drive in the second half for a 3-yard touchdown to put the Falcons up by 10.

During the game, Ryan became the fastest quarterback to reach 40,000 career yards, doing it in 151 games.

"I felt like we had been close throughout the year, I’ve been saying that. But we haven’t been making the plays when they presented themselves," Ryan said. "I think today we showcased what we’re capable of doing if we go out there and execute at the level we’re capable of."

After Taylor Gabriel made a catch for 34 yards, the largest play of the day, tight end Austin Hooper bounced back from his lackluster performance last week with a touchdown.

"Everybody thinks we executed a new offense today. We just executed, that’s it," Hooper said. "You live for these moments when it works out right."

Hooper had 49 yards. Gabriel finished with 58.

The Falcons improve to 5-4, but they are still out of the playoff picture a little more than halfway through the NFL season.

But they have plenty of time to make up ground if they are able to capitalize off Sunday's win, beginning next Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

"It was a good step for us in the right direction if we’re going to become the best football team we can moving forward," Ryan said. "We played well today, but we can play better."

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