Ravens-Falcons final score: Defense shines in 29-7 win

Ravens 3, NFC South opponents 0.

And neither of the three games were close. The Ravens won their third game against the NFC South on Sunday, this time a 29-7 win over the reeling Atlanta Falcons. The final score wasn't as indicative of how the game unfolded.

The Ravens' defense was dominant from the start, shutting the Falcons out for three quarters. Outside linebackers Pernell McPhee and Elvis Dumervil recorded two sacks apiece, and Terrell Suggs recorded a sack for a safety late in the game. The rest of the unit hitting quarterback Matt Ryan eight times. The Falcons were unable to get anything going until the fourth quarter, when Ryan found receiver Roddy White for a touchdown.

The score could have been by more, but quarterback Joe Flacco threw two interceptions in the end zone to Falcons cornerback Robert Alford. It wasn't a particular strong day for Flacco, though the offense was still able to put up well over 300 yards of total offense. And Flacco still ended the game 16-for-25 for 258 yards and two touchdowns.

The Ravens improve to 5-2 for the season and look like a sure-fire top five team. The defense has been among the league's best, despite personnel and injury issues. Once again, defensive coordinator Dean Pees deserves a lot of credit for this.

This win on a hapless Falcons squad will certainly help keep momentum in Baltimore's favor, especially with an ever-important divisional rematch against Cincinnati ahead next week.