Reiseplan » g for a call, but no flag ever appeared.Sherman did

SEATTLE -- Matt Ryan dissected the best defense in the NFL for 15 memorable minutes. Richard Sherman unloaded on his teammates with an intense sideline tirade rarely seen in public. And Russell Wilson led another fourth-quarter comeback.Eventful would be one way to describe Seattles 26-24 win over Atlanta on Sunday.But it was also validating. At this point of the season, the Falcons and Seahawks are clearly among the handful of contenders in the NFC.Yes, both have flaws that were displayed at times in Seattles win. Both also showed they have the ability to overcome them.I like where our team identity is now, so badly that I want the identity to happen right away, Atlanta coach Dan Quinn said. Its growing stronger, that toughness, that resolve where we can attack in all three phases. That identity, I am pleased we are starting to become.That sounds like something Seattle coach Pete Carroll might say . But the Seahawks identity has been proven over time and was shown once again against the Falcons. Wilson led Seattle on a 70-yard touchdown drive midway through the fourth quarter to pull within 24-23. Then it was Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas teaming up to intercept a pass that slipped through Julio Jones fingers and set up Steven Hauschkas 44-yard field goal that proved the game-winner.The victory was Wilsons 20th fourth quarter or overtime comeback. Seattles been down the path of being in close games in the fourth quarter against good teams and finding a way to pull out a win beginning in Wilsons rookie season. Sunday was the second time in five games this season Wilson led the Seahawks to a go-ahead score in the final 2 minutes.That would seem to be the next step for the Falcons to learn.We had a really nice first half. Then came back when we needed to in the fourth quarter to get the stops we needed to get it done, and we made the one kick we needed to make, Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. Very difficult game. Dans team is playing like crazy. They were hard to beat today.Heres what else to know from Seattles victory:RIPPING RYAN: Ryans third quarter was stunning. He was 13 of 17 for 220 yards and three TDs. Ryan found Jones for a 36-yard score on the first drive of the second half; found Mohamed Sanu on a 10-yard TD; and later connected with Levine Toilolo on a 46-yarder as the Falcons rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to lead 24-17 going to the fourth quarter.They started making catches, started making deep throws and they made some good plays you have to give them that. Thats a real good team over there, Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner said.HERES JIMMY (AGAIN): Jimmy Graham continues to show his importance to Seattles offense.Graham finished with six catches for 89 yards, his third straight game with six receptions. He nearly became the first player in team history to top 100 yards receiving in three straight games, but fell just short.Its the first time Graham has caught five or more passes in three straight games since early in the 2014 season, when he was still in New Orleans. And he has discovered a rhythm with Wilson that hasnt required the throws to be forced.He just believes it. He puts that back foot in the ground and just lets it go, Graham said. Its just going to get better and better for the whole offense, for all of us.RUNNING NOWHERE: While Ryan had a big day throwing the ball, Atlantas run game had no success.Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman combined for 52 yards rushing and averaged just 2.9 yards per carry. Freeman had 40 yards on 12 carries, but that included an 18-yard run.Perhaps more important, Seattle didnt allow the duo to be part of the passing game. Freeman had three catches for 10 yards and Coleman one reception for 7 yards. A week ago, Coleman had four catches for 132 yards and a touchdown against Denver.NO FLAG: Atlanta probably has a right to be upset with the decision not to flag Sherman for pass interference on its final offensive play. Replays showed Sherman clearly pulling at Jones arm on the deep throw before the ball arrived. The Falcons sideline screamed begging for a call, but no flag ever appeared.Sherman did not believe he got away with one.No. I felt like we won the ballgame, he said.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Ricky Davis completed 12 of 16 passing for 187 yards and three touchdowns and Youngstown State beat Duquesne 45-10 in the season opener for both teams on Thursday night.Tevin McCaster finished with 107 yards rushing on just seven carries with a touchdown, and Martin Ruiz added 89 yards on the ground with a score for the Penguins.Davis hit Darien Townsend with a 49-yard TD strike on the games opening drive and again from 36 yards out forr a 24-10 Youngstown State lead at halftime.dddddddddddd Townsend finished with 91 yards receiving.Dillon Buechel threw for 188 yards and the Dukes only touchdown, a six-yard pass to Nehari Crawford late in the second quarter. Blair Roberts led Duquesne with 82 yards receiving.The Penguins now are 3-0 all-time against the Dukes. ' ' '