"I think we are both fortunate to have Arthur Blank, the NFL and this community," Goodell said. "He’s not only committed to putting a first-class franchise together for this community, but he’s also very important on the league level. ... He serves on a lot of our committees and is a great member for the league.”
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis complained earlier in the week about playing Thursday games, just four days after playing on Sunday. He said 99 percent of the players would vote not to play the games.
"Well for the second half of the season, this is a great way to be able to continue bringing more football to more fans," Goodell said.
With a potential lockout looming over next season, Goodell didn't have any good news on the labor negotiations.
"We need to make more progress," Goodell said.
No huddle, no problem
The Falcons opened the game in their no-huddle attack.
Quarterback Matt Ryan came out throwing on the first four plays of the game, if you include a sack that Sam Baker gave up to Tyrell Suggs.
They converted on two third downs before the opening drive stalled at Baltimore's 46. Michael Koenen's high punt forced Ed Reed to call a fair catch at Baltimore's 6-yard line.
The Falcons went on to dominate the ball in the first half. They ran 43 plays to Baltimore's 17.
The Falcons had the ball for 21 minutes and 14 seconds to the Ravens, 8:46. The Falcons had 12 first downs to the Ravens' 4.
Finneran is Mr. Versatility
On the Falcons' second possession of the second quarter, they started out in a formation with Tony Gonzalez and Brian Finneran at tight end.
Finneran normally is a wide receiver.
The possession ended with the Falcons punting. Finneran covered the punt and forced a fumble that was recovered by Coy Wire.
It was Finneran's third forced fumble of his career. He had one last season and one in 2001.
Later in the same drive on third-and-5 from the 43, Finneran, flanked out at receiver and caught a pass for 12 yards.
Kickoff coverage unit
The Falcons revamped their kickoff coverage unit by adding linebacker Stephen Nicholas and defensive end Kroy Biermann.
Against Tampa Bay on Sunday, Michael Spurlock had 209 yards on kickoff returns, including an 89-yard touchdown.
Nicholas led the Falcons in special-teams tackles in 2009 with 13, and Biermann was second with 12.
Baltimore kickoff returner Jalen Parmele was averaging 22.9 yards on 18 returns.
The unit didn't have to cover a kick in the first half, and Koenen boomed one kickoff out of the end zone and the other 9 yards deep and the returner downed the ball.
Etc.
Roddy White's 28-yard reception during the opening drive gave him 12 receptions for 20 yards are more on the season. White got open for an apparent 38-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but Ryan's pass was overthrown. ... Eric Weems had a 16-yard punt return in the first quarter. His long for the season is 19 yards. ... Center Todd McClure, who suffered a knee injury Sunday against Tampa Bay and missed two practices, made his 137th consecutive start. ... It was Ryan's fourth consecutive game with at least 20 completions and his seventh of the season.
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