Atlanta DE has field day vs. Dallas

FALCONS 27, COWBOYS 7

ATLANTA — Defensive end Adrian Clayborn must’ve thought he was the one replacing Ezekiel Elliott.

Clayborn spent most of Sunday in the Dallas Cowboys’ backfield, making life miserable for Dak Prescott with one of the greatest pass-rushing performances in NFL history.

A solid player but hardly a star, Clayborn set an Atlanta record with six sacks and forced two fumbles to lead the Falcons past the Cowboys 27-7, a game that showed just how much Dallas missed one of its key offensive players.

No, not Elliott, though that was certainly a blow. After three legal reprieves, the star running back finally began serving a six-game suspension for allegations of domestic abuse.

The Cowboys also were without left tackle Tyron Smith, who couldn’t go beBATON

cause of groin and back injuries. Third-year player Chaz Green stepped into the spot — and had a thoroughly miserable day trying to stop Clayborn.

Leaving Green grasping at air, Clayborn blew by him to force two fumbles — one of which he recovered himself by ripping the ball away from Prescott — and surpass the team record of five sacks in a game, held by Chuck Smith and Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey.

“You always envision it,” Clayborn said. “I was finally in my groove.”

AP/JOHN BAZEMORE Rod Smith (45) is hit by Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley during the first half Sunday in Atlanta. The Falcons won 27-7 for only their second victory since Week 3.