Chandler Makes Falcons Click

The formula for the Atlanta Falcons is simple: When Chris Chandler plays, they usually win.

Jamal Anderson rushed for a career-high 172 yards and scored three touchdowns Sunday, but it was the return of Chandler that seemed to energize Atlanta.

The Pro Bowl quarterback, sidelined during last week’s loss to the New York Jets because of a shoulder injury, threw a 62-yard pass to Tony Martin on the second play of the game, and the Falcons went on to rout the St. Louis Rams, 37-15.

“When Chris is in there, he gives us great confidence, great leadership,” offensive tackle Bob Whitfield said. “We know everything is going to be right on cue.”

Atlanta reached the midway point of the season at 6-2 for the first time in franchise history, handing the Rams (2-6) their third consecutive loss.

In fact, the only disappointment for the Falcons was the announced crowd of 37,996--the fifth smallest since the Falcons moved to the Georgia Dome in 1992.

Even though Anderson, who set his previous career high of 162 yards rushing against the Rams last season, eclipsed 100 yards for the fifth time in six games, Chandler’s presence made the biggest impact.

He completed only 12 of 27 passes and threw an interception that Ryan McNeil returned 37 yards for a St. Louis touchdown. But Chandler also passed for 236 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown to Anderson and an 18-yarder to Tony Martin that gave the Falcons a 27-7 lead at halftime.

Chandler has thrown at least one touchdown pass in a team-record 19 straight games, and Atlanta is 12-4 over the last two years when he plays a game without getting hurt. Otherwise, the Falcons are only 1-7.

“I would hope we have more confidence when I’m in there,” Chandler said. “Sometimes, you give a team confidence that comes out in the form of hard running and blocking, like today.”

Atlanta held a 303-83 advantage in total yards, and St. Louis further helped by committing nine penalties for 75 yards, including two personal fouls that led to scores.

“I don’t feel we are that bad,” Coach Dick Vermeil said. “But we were today.”