SportsDirect Inc. staff
Oct 3, 2010
Matt Bryant kicked a game-winning field goal for the second contest in a row, booting a 43-yarder with 2 seconds remaining to lift the Atlanta Falcons to a 16-14 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
The winless 49ers (0-4) looked to have stopped Atlanta's potential go-ahead drive when Nate Clements intercepted a pass by Matt Ryan, but the defensive back fumbled on the return, giving the Falcons another opportunity.
Bryant, who made the winning kick in Atlanta's 27-24 overtime victory at the New Orleans Saints last week, also made field goals of 37 and 31 yards to help the Falcons (3-1) rally from a 14-0 deficit.
After firing offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye on Monday, the 49ers managed only one offensive score - a 12-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to tight end Vernon Davis in the first quarter.
San Francisco's second score came on a blocked punt, which rookie Taylor Mays corralled in the back of the end zone and dragged his toes just inside the end line for a 14-0 lead.
The Falcons cut the deficit to four at 14-10 at halftime on Ryan's 8-yard touchdown pass to Harry Douglas.
Ryan threw for 273 yards on 26-of-42 passing with a touchdown and two interceptions. Roddy White caught seven passes for 104 yards.
Frank Gore rushed for 77 yards on 21 carries and added 60 yards on seven receptions for the 49ers.