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NFL roundup: Lions stopped short, Falcons stay perfect

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An apparent game-winning touchdown is overturned by replay, and Atlanta holds on for a 30-26 win.
DETROIT — The Atlanta Falcons escaped Detroit with their undefeated record intact, holding on for a win thanks in part to an NFL rule that went in their favor.
Matthew Stafford’s pass to Golden Tate was ruled to be just short of the end zone in the final seconds after a review, allowing Atlanta to beat the Lions 30-26 on Sunday.
The call on the field was a touchdown when Stafford connected with Tate on a slant from the 1 with 8 seconds left, but it was overturned because the receiver was down before the football reached the goal line. By rule, 10 seconds had to run off the clock, and that ended the game because Detroit (2-1) didn’t have any timeouts.
“Had the call on the field been correct initially, the clock would have run out,” FOX analyst Dean Blandino, an ex-NFL officiating chief, explained in a tweet: “That’s the spirit of the rule.”
Lions Coach Jim Caldwell agreed that the play was correctly overturned and the rule was applied properly. But he thought Stafford would have had time to take another snap if Tate was initially ruled down inside the 1.
“Certainly,” Caldwell said. “We practice it all the time.”
The defending NFC champion Falcons (3-0) overcame Matt Ryan’s three interceptions and many other mistakes.
Howard’s winning score came two plays after rookie Tarik Cohen broke off what appeared to be a 73-yard touchdown run. He was ruled out at the Pittsburgh 37, but Howard took over from there.
Howard had 138 of Chicago’s 220 yards rushing, making up for a lackluster performance by quarterback Mike Glennon.
Ben Roethlisberger threw for 235 yards and a touchdown for Pittsburgh (2-1).
On third-and-10 from his 21, Rodgers took advantage of a free play after defensive end Michael Johnson was whistled for offside. Officials let the play continue, and Rodgers found Allison about 40 yards downfield before the receiver beat a couple defenders for more yards.
DeMarco Murray rushed for 115 yards, including a 75-yard TD run, and Ryan Succop kicked four field goals.
The Seahawks fell to 1-2 despite 373 yards passing and four touchdowns for Russell Wilson.
McCown finished 18 of 23 for 249 yards, Chandler Catanzaro kicked two field goals, and the Jets (1-2) forced Jay Cutler and the Dolphins into numerous mistakes.
Allen Hurns and Leonard Fournette also scored touchdowns for the Jaguars, who have won their last three games in London. Baltimore (2-1) managed just 186 yards, including 15 in the first half.
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