Sports

After last year's discord in Detroit, Atlanta wants to keep Suh and the Lions away from Ryan

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) works against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Rich Addicks) (The Associated Press)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) works against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis) (The Associated Press)

The Atlanta Falcons have a simple goal this week against Ndamukong Suh.

They want to keep Detroit's high-strung defensive tackle from touching quarterback Matt Ryan.

Each team complained about the other following Atlanta's seven-point victory last year in Detroit.

Falcons center Todd McClure and receiver Roddy White said that Suh and left end Cliff Avril were taunting Ryan when the quarterback was briefly injured.

Ryan returned to lead another scoring drive, but after the game Suh and linebacker Stephen Tulloch complained that Atlanta's offensive line used dirty techniques that could injure opponents.

Going into their game on Saturday at Detroit, the Falcons (12-2) and Lions (4-10) seem unwilling to rehash the bitterness lingering from last season.

Suh says "it's a different year." McClure agreed, saying "it's a different game."