Ravens’ backups rally past Falcons for win.

BALTIMORE — Matt Ryan threw for 97 yards and a touchdown in four series, and the Atlanta Falcons limited Baltimore’s starting offense to three first downs in the first half before the Ravens’ backups pulled out a 27-23 preseason victory Thursday night. Atlanta’s starters bounced back nicely from a 34-10 loss to Cincinnati one week earlier. Under Ryan’s direction, the Falcons pierced Baltimore for 11 first downs in 16 and a half minutes and built a 20-7 lead at halftime.

It was 23-7 before Baltimore scored 20 fourth-quarter points, including a 78-yard punt return by Asa Jackson with 6:18 remaining. Ryan went 8 for 15 and threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Julio Jones. Steven Jackson had 42 yards rushing against the defending Super Bowl champions. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco played the first half, completing 7 of 9 passes for 118 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith. Baltimore gained 13 yards rushing on 10 carries before halftime.