ATLANTA -- Quarterback Matt Ryan had not taken many deep shots for the Atlanta Falcons this season. His yards per target and yards per completion were among the lowest of his career. However, in the second quarter on Sunday against the Washington Football Team, he finally hit on a deep pass. Ryan used play-action and Washington bit, leaving running back-lined-up-as-wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson wide open on a deep post.
Ryan launched the ball and had Patterson open -- no one within five yards of him -- for a 42-yard touchdown which would help send Atlanta to a brief 10-0 lead.