BALTIMORE -- A few thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' 29-7 win Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium:
What it means: The Ravens (5-2) moved into first place in the AFC North for the first time, jumping ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals (3-2-1). This was the Ravens' fifth win in the past six weeks. The Ravens have outscored three NFC South opponents (Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) by a combined 115-34.
Near shutout: The Ravens' hopes for their first shutout in five years ended when they gave up a touchdown with 7 minutes, 12 seconds left in the game. Still, the Ravens defense held the Falcons, the fifth-highest scoring team entering this game, to 20 points below their average.
Stock watch: Falling -- Left tackle James Hurst. The undrafted rookie was flagged three times for holding. It's been up and down for Hurst over these three starts. There's a chance that this could be the last time Hurst starts. Eugene Monroe (knee) may return next game.
Jones still struggling: Jacoby Jones' nightmare season continued when he muffed his second punt of the season. Jones was lucky that the Falcons failed to convert it into points (missed 57-yard field goal). It could be time for the Ravens to think about a change at returner.
Game ball: Pass-rusher Pernell McPhee. The game ball could go to anyone on the Ravens' pass rush, but McPhee set the tone in a dominant first half. He forced a fumble on a sack of Matt Ryan in the red zone then sacked Ryan again on third-and-1 to end another drive. McPhee now has four sacks in his past three games. The Ravens finished with five sacks of Ryan.
Suggs' safety: Terrell Suggs capped a strong day for the pass rush by tackling Ryan in the end zone late in the fourth quarter. It was Suggs' first safety of his career and the eighth for the Ravens in their history. The last safety by the Ravens occurred in November 2008, when Jameel McClain recorded it.
Rubbing it in? Up 15 points with 1:54 left, the Ravens not only opted to go for it on fourth-and-9 but they also went for the jugular. Joe Flacco hit Torrey Smith on a 39-yard touchdown pass to make it 29-7. Some Falcons looked upset by the play call.
Forsett produces again: Running back Justin Forsett followed his first 100-yard rushing game in five seasons with 95 yards against the Falcons. He broke a 21-yard gain, which marks his seventh run of 20 or more yards this season. Last year, the Ravens had five such runs for the entire season.
What's next: The Ravens go back on the road for the next two games against AFC North teams. Their first trip is next Sunday to the suddenly struggling Cincinnati Bengals.
