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Colts picks off Ryan, Falcons

Aug 17, 2008 - 3:03 AM By Guy Curtright PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Matt Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, is quickly learning the hard lessons of life in the NFL.

Atlanta's rookie quarterback had a pass intercepted and returned 67 yards for a touchdown as the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Falcons, 16-9, on Saturday night in a preseason game at the Georgia Dome.

Kelvin Heyden picked off Ryan and gave the Colts the lead with 33 seconds remaining in the first half.

Ryan played the second quarter and most of the third, completing 8-of-16 passes for 62 yards. He was sacked once.

The Colts (1-2), who won for the first time in three preseason games despite not getting an offensive touchdown, again played without quarterback Peyton Manning. He may miss the entire preseason while recovering from knee surgery.

Jim Sorgi, Manning's backup, played the first quarter and was 7-of-12 for 67 yards. He was followed by Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen, who threw a fourth-quarter interception deep in Falcons territory.

While the Colts struggled offensively without Manning, the defense came through with three interceptions and also recovered two fumbles.

Michael Turner was a bright spot for Atlanta (0-2). Signed away from San Diego as a free agent, he had runs of 63 and 52 yards to set up the first two of Jason Elam's three field goals. Turner had 113 yards on four carries, all in the first quarter.

The Falcons without defensive end John Abraham (foot) and lost outside linebacker Michael Boley (back) and offensive tackle Quinn Ojinnaka (knee) during the game.

In addition to Manning, the Colts were missing defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot), safety Bob Sanders (knee) and guard Ryan Lilja (shoulder).