Defense shares glory after dominant performance against Giants 

ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris gave credit to the whole defense after Sunday’s 34-7 win against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He didn’t praise any one player. He didn’t highlight any one moment.

The entire unit performed well, so the overall sentiment was understandable.

However, a pair of pick-sixes scored by safety Jessie Bates III and outside linebacker Matthew Judon loomed large in the win. One would think they or their plays would at least be mentioned. Neither were.

And it wasn’t surprising.

Because Bates and Judon each gave credit elsewhere, too.

“A lot of people just see me scoring a touchdown,” Bates said. “But there’s a lot that goes on throughout the whole process for us to have success. I get the glory for that one, and Judon got one, but it’s a good day for our defense.”

Seven points allowed set a new season-best for Atlanta.

The Giants totaled 45 yards rushing and 189 yards passing. It was the fewest yards on the ground the Falcons have allowed this season, and the sixth-fewest passing.

New York quarterback Drew Lock completed 22 of his 39 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted twice and sacked three times by Judon, inside linebacker Kaden Elliss and outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie for a loss of 21 yards. The Falcons now have 16 sacks in their last four games. They had 10 in their first 11 games.

“We’re working hard,” Judon said. “When it pays off, that does feel good.”

Now that the defense’s general success has been addressed, about those pick-sixes. They do deserve individual attention.