Atlanta survived a battle with the Lions, and moved to 4-3 on the 2011 NFL season.
It wasn't pretty or easy, but Atlanta moved over .500 for the 2011 NFL season by beating the upstart Lions. And for Detroit, adversity is introducing itself rudely to what seemed like a charmed season.
Matt Ryan returned after an ankle injury to throw for 218 yards and a touchdown, Michael Turner ran for 122 yards, and the Falcons defense helped Atlanta survive Ryan's two picks for a 23-16 win in Detroit.
Matthew Stafford wasn't a world-beater for the Lions, completing just 15 of 32 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown. And that was despite Detroit's running game spelling the concussed Jahvid Best admirably, with three runners combining for 104 yards on 20 carries.
But Atlanta conceded just one third down conversion on 12 Detroit attempts, short-circuiting a number of drives and keeping the Lions' offense off the field.
Calvin Johnson had 115 receiving yards and a touchdown in the loss.
With the win, the Falcons move to 4-3 on the season, while the Lions drop to 5-2 with their second straight loss.
For more on the Falcons, head to SB Nation's The Falcoholic; for more on the Lions, head to Pride of Detroit. For Week 7 NFL scores and news, Week 7 NFL videos and highlights, and Week 7 fantasy stats and updates, visit our comprehensive StoryStreams.
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