THE GOOD
While the Falcons lost in their first NFC South divisional game to Tampa Bay 16-13, rookie wide receiver Julio Jones had a big day. In Tampa, Jones caught six passes for 119 yards. Through three games, he’s on pace to have a 1,000 yard season, as a rookie. It’s unusual for rookie wideouts to be impact players, but Jones is doing just that. When he’s not catching passes, he blocks very well downfield or is a potential playmaker that demands the attention of the opposing defense.
THE BAD
There is definite room for improvement in the turnover department. In both losses (one at Chicago in week one and tonight), the Falcons have given the ball away too much. If any NFL team loses the turnover battle on the road, they shouldn’t expect to win, and the Falcons have turned the ball over three times in both of the road losses. Quarterback Matt Ryan sis starting to look like a mailman wearing bacon underwear in a neighborhood full of Rottweilers, but no matter what, he has got to find a way to protect the football better. In addition to his four interceptions so far, he has turned the ball over with three times on fumbles.
THE UGLY
Matt Ryan’s body. Seriously. How many hits can one guy take? When, he goes under center and drops back to pass, he’s got to be thinking, “I’m going to get drilled in three one thousand, two one thous- … Uh-oh”. (When head coach Mike Smith and Atlanta chooses to go no-huddle, at least Ryan can see sooner what’s about to hit him). He’s been sacked nine times this September. At this rate, he’ll be nailed 50 times on pass plays by the end of the season. Not so good.
All that said and results being what they are, this Falcons team has a ton of reasons for optimism. Ryan is tough, durable and an unflappable conductor of the offense. Center Todd McClure is back on the field, and that will help in the run game and in pass protection. Also, the defense played a great game on the road at Tampa. Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount rushed for 84 yards, but it took him 24 carries for that precious 172 feet of real estate, and he never found pay dirt in the end zone. The Falcons defense also collected two Josh Freeman interceptions and limited the Buccaneers to only a field goal in the second half. The Falcons are still a good football team. In four weeks, we’ll know if it’s a great football team.
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