The Falcons have to do something very challenging and that is to defeat a team that is winless. Why is that a challenge? Because the San Francisco 49ers did not expect to be 0-3 at this season and the Falcons are coming of an emotional overtime win against the New Orleans Saints. With that said it should be a game where the Falcons show why they are becoming a favorite for media members and NFL scouts.
One reason the Falcons are receiving the love is Matt Ryan. In his first three games of the season the Boston College alum has thrown for 705 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. He has a QB rating of 94.3 and has played with poise and confidence and NFL quarterback needs in order to succeed. He will face a 49er defense that has been gashed the last couple of weeks. But with players such as Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes and Nate Clements, Ryan has to be on his game in order for the Falcons to earn their third win of the year.
But if the running game is on like it has been the past two weeks, then Ryan won’t have to do too much. Michael Turner and Jason Snelling make up quite the duo as they are both bruising running backs that have speed. Tuner comes in to the game with 231 yards and one touchdown, while Snelling has tallied 195 yards and two touchdowns. If Turner, Snelling or both get going early it’s going to be a long day for San Francisco.
Roddy White had a big game against the 49ers last year, catching eight passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. It’s no likely he will put those numbers up again, but he is having a nice start to the season with 25 receptions 258 yards and two scores. He will go against Clements again and he will be sure not to have White run wild like last year.
The defense has also been a key part to the Falcons early success this season, giving up 46 points so far which is second best in the conference. They have been getting good production from lineman John Abraham, Kroy Biermann and Jonathan Babineaux as well as the linebackers Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherspoon. They will look to pounce on a San Francisco offense that has struggled, but the 49ers will look to get Frank Gore going early as the Falcons do give 5.1 yards per rush which is near the bottom of the league.
As far as injuries go for the Birds, Weatherspoon suffered an ankle injury last week against New Orleans and did not practice all this week. However, Erik Coleman and Michael Jenkins did practice and head coach Mike Smith is hopeful they can play even though it’s going to be a game-time decision. Jenkins suffered a shoulder injury during training camp, while Coleman suffered a knee injury in the first game of the season against Pittsburgh.
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