Steven Jackson Answers Early Score For Atlanta Falcons (Video)

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Green Bay Packers took an early 7-0 lead on Monday night, but the Atlanta Falcons answered with a scoring drive of their own, capped by a Steven Jackson burst.

The Atlanta Falcons took the first punch from the Green Bay Packers on the chin Monday night at Lambeau Field, allowing an 81-yard drive and a Packer touchdown.

But the Falcons answered with a 72-yard march of their own, capped when Steven Jackson burst right up the middle for a 4-yard score.

Jackson had 20 yards on four carries on Atlanta’s opening drive and Matt Ryan was sharp, completing 4-of-5 for 57 yards. Three of those passes went to Julio Jones for 45 yards.

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This is a battle of division leaders in name only. The Packers came into the night with a 9-3 record and are second in the NFC playoff race. Atlanta is 5-7 and will … somehow … come out of Monday night with the lead in the NFC South, win or lose.

That’s because the New Orleans Saints were obliterated by the Carolina Panthers 41-10 on Sunday to fall to 5-8 and Atlanta, for now, has the head-to-head advantage over the Saints on the strength of their 37-34 overtime win at the Georgia Dome in Week 1.

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