FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - After Asante Samuel intercepted Eli Manning's first pass on Sunday, the cornerback approached Falcons teammate Thomas DeCoud, who leads the team in interceptions.
DeCoud says Samuel joked "'I'm about to catch you.'"
Not so fast. DeCoud, a safety, added to his team lead with his sixth interception later in the Falcons' 34-0 win over the Giants.
Samuel has three interceptions but is trailing both Atlanta safeties. William Moore has picked off four passes, giving the Falcons the NFL's only tandem at the safety positions to each have four or more interceptions.
Falcons coach Mike Smith said Tuesday DeCoud and Moore have played as well as any duo in the league.
The Falcons can clinch home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs if they win Saturday night's game at Detroit.
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The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.