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The Atlanta Falcons were bad last year.  Blame last year on the injuries to Julio Jones and Roddy White.  But the Falcons are still bad, what is the problem?

 Nine weeks into the season quarterback Matt Ryan has been sacked 15 times

While Jones and White are healthy, there are more important players on the offensive side.  Tackle Sam Baker, tackle Lamar Holmes, center Joe Hawley, and back-up center Peter Konz are all out for the season. That is an offensive line that has lost five key players.  The result?  Ryan has been sacked 15 times. 

Quarterback in distress

According to ProFootball Focus, in week seven against the Baltimore Ravens, Ryan was pressured on 32 percent  of his dropbacks.  The Ravens sacked Ryan five times.  They also had nine quarterback hits. 

It is taking a toll on Ryan's efficiency.  His production drops in the second half.  Ryan completes 70.2 percent of his passes in the first-half.  He only completes 58 percent of his passes in the second half.  In the fourth quarter he has been sacked seven times, thrown four interceptions, and completed 55.4 percent of his passes. 

As their offensive line becomes depleted their offensive output is put in a downward spiral.  In week three against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the offense put up 56 points; week four against the Minnesota Vikings they put up 28 points; week five versus the New York Giants 20 points, week six against the Chicago Bears 13 points and week seven versus the Baltimore Ravens seven points.  You get the picture.  A quarterback in distress equals bad offensive play.

While they may start out strong, the production dwindles not only as we progress through the NFL schedule, but also during the course of the game.

What's wrong with the Falcons?  Nothing a healthy offensive line couldn't cure. 

Follow me on Twitter @neverenoughghtl

The Atlanta Falcons were bad last year.  Blame last year on the injuries to Julio Jones and Roddy White.  But the Falcons are still bad, what is the problem?

 Nine weeks into the season quarterback Matt Ryan has been sacked 15 times

While Jones and White are healthy, there are more important players on the offensive side.  Tackle Sam Baker, tackle Lamar Holmes, center Joe Hawley, and back-up center Peter Konz are all out for the season. That is an offensive line that has lost five key players.  The result?  Ryan has been sacked 15 times. 

Quarterback in distress

According to ProFootball Focus, in week seven against the Baltimore Ravens, Ryan was pressured on 32 percent  of his dropbacks.  The Ravens sacked Ryan five times.  They also had nine quarterback hits. 

It is taking a toll on Ryan's efficiency.  His production drops in the second half.  Ryan completes 70.2 percent of his passes in the first-half.  He only completes 58 percent of his passes in the second half.  In the fourth quarter he has been sacked seven times, thrown four interceptions, and completed 55.4 percent of his passes. 

As their offensive line becomes depleted their offensive output is put in a downward spiral.  In week three against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the offense put up 56 points; week four against the Minnesota Vikings they put up 28 points; week five versus the New York Giants 20 points, week six against the Chicago Bears 13 points and week seven versus the Baltimore Ravens seven points.  You get the picture.  A quarterback in distress equals bad offensive play.

While they may start out strong, the production dwindles not only as we progress through the NFL schedule, but also during the course of the game.

What's wrong with the Falcons?  Nothing a healthy offensive line couldn't cure. 

Follow me on Twitter @neverenoughghtl

The Atlanta Falcons were bad last year.  Blame last year on the injuries to Julio Jones and Roddy White.  But the Falcons are still bad, what is the problem?

 Nine weeks into the season quarterback Matt Ryan has been sacked 15 times

While Jones and White are healthy, there are more important players on the offensive side.  Tackle Sam Baker, tackle Lamar Holmes, center Joe Hawley, and back-up center Peter Konz are all out for the season. That is an offensive line that has lost five key players.  The result?  Ryan has been sacked 15 times. 

Quarterback in distress

According to ProFootball Focus, in week seven against the Baltimore Ravens, Ryan was pressured on 32 percent  of his dropbacks.  The Ravens sacked Ryan five times.  They also had nine quarterback hits. 

It is taking a toll on Ryan's efficiency.  His production drops in the second half.  Ryan completes 70.2 percent of his passes in the first-half.  He only completes 58 percent of his passes in the second half.  In the fourth quarter he has been sacked seven times, thrown four interceptions, and completed 55.4 percent of his passes. 

As their offensive line becomes depleted their offensive output is put in a downward spiral.  In week three against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the offense put up 56 points; week four against the Minnesota Vikings they put up 28 points; week five versus the New York Giants 20 points, week six against the Chicago Bears 13 points and week seven versus the Baltimore Ravens seven points.  You get the picture.  A quarterback in distress equals bad offensive play.

While they may start out strong, the production dwindles not only as we progress through the NFL schedule, but also during the course of the game.

What's wrong with the Falcons?  Nothing a healthy offensive line couldn't cure. 

Follow me on Twitter @neverenoughghtl

The Atlanta Falcons were bad last year.  Blame last year on the injuries to Julio Jones and Roddy White.  But the Falcons are still bad, what is the problem?

 Nine weeks into the season quarterback Matt Ryan has been sacked 15 times

While Jones and White are healthy, there are more important players on the offensive side.  Tackle Sam Baker, tackle Lamar Holmes, center Joe Hawley, and back-up center Peter Konz are all out for the season. That is an offensive line that has lost five key players.  The result?  Ryan has been sacked 15 times. 

Quarterback in distress

According to ProFootball Focus, in week seven against the Baltimore Ravens, Ryan was pressured on 32 percent  of his dropbacks.  The Ravens sacked Ryan five times.  They also had nine quarterback hits. 

It is taking a toll on Ryan's efficiency.  His production drops in the second half.  Ryan completes 70.2 percent of his passes in the first-half.  He only completes 58 percent of his passes in the second half.  In the fourth quarter he has been sacked seven times, thrown four interceptions, and completed 55.4 percent of his passes. 

As their offensive line becomes depleted their offensive output is put in a downward spiral.  In week three against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the offense put up 56 points; week four against the Minnesota Vikings they put up 28 points; week five versus the New York Giants 20 points, week six against the Chicago Bears 13 points and week seven versus the Baltimore Ravens seven points.  You get the picture.  A quarterback in distress equals bad offensive play.

While they may start out strong, the production dwindles not only as we progress through the NFL schedule, but also during the course of the game.

What's wrong with the Falcons?  Nothing a healthy offensive line couldn't cure. 

Follow me on Twitter @neverenoughghtl

The Atlanta Falcons not only have to keep an eye on the key offensive weapons of the Detroit Lions, it appears the offense will have to be fully aware of the play of DeAndre Levy from the linebacker position.

The unknown player is making a name for himself this season on a much improved defensive unit.

The Falcons have scouted him intensely leading up to Sunday's game at Wembley Stadium and know that he'll be worth keeping an eye on.

"He was a sub-4.6 guy coming out," said Mike Smith of Levy, who played his college ball at Wisconsin. "He's a guy that comes downhill and he's very quick. When you are having to put four hands on those defensive linemen and he's coming downhill, he's winning a lot of his battles because of his speed. If you come off too quickly, that's when the defensive tackles will make their plays.”

Smith said the Lions don't do a whole lot of blitzing because of the strength of their defensive line in creating their own pressure, so Levy will be pivotal to watch when it comes to the run game.

With the possibility of wide receiver Harry Douglas getting back into action Sunday, the extra target could help keep Levy honest when it comes to playing the run, but getting a helmet on him during run plays will be crucial to having success on the ground.

"He's definitely playing really lights-out football — having a great year," running back Steven Jackson said Thursday. "He's one of the guys that I've watched all week. His explosiveness and sideline-to-sideline speed, once he recognizes or sees the ball, he does a really good job of avoiding blocks, getting to it and also doing a good job of getting his D-linemen off the double team because he's so fast."

DOUGLAS BACK AT PRACTICE (PER ALANTAFALCONS.COM)

Head coach Mike Smith said before practice Thursday that wide receiver Harry Douglas would be a limited participant, something he hasn't been since Week 4.

It's been 10 practices since wide receiver Harry Douglas has been a participant at any level, but the streak will end Thursday as head coach Mike Smith announced before the day's session that Douglas would be limited.

Douglas injured his foot in a Week 3 win over Tampa Bay and was scheduled to do a rehab run Wednesday despite being a non-participant in practice.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux is expected to be a non-participant again Thursday, but Smith said he's hoping to get him some limited reps on Friday.

"We'll have to see how both those guys handle their workload over the next couple of days to see what their game status will be," Smith said Thursday.

The Atlanta Falcons not only have to keep an eye on the key offensive weapons of the Detroit Lions, it appears the offense will have to be fully aware of the play of DeAndre Levy from the linebacker position.

The unknown player is making a name for himself this season on a much improved defensive unit.

The Falcons have scouted him intensely leading up to Sunday's game at Wembley Stadium and know that he'll be worth keeping an eye on.

"He was a sub-4.6 guy coming out," said Mike Smith of Levy, who played his college ball at Wisconsin. "He's a guy that comes downhill and he's very quick. When you are having to put four hands on those defensive linemen and he's coming downhill, he's winning a lot of his battles because of his speed. If you come off too quickly, that's when the defensive tackles will make their plays.”

Smith said the Lions don't do a whole lot of blitzing because of the strength of their defensive line in creating their own pressure, so Levy will be pivotal to watch when it comes to the run game.

With the possibility of wide receiver Harry Douglas getting back into action Sunday, the extra target could help keep Levy honest when it comes to playing the run, but getting a helmet on him during run plays will be crucial to having success on the ground.

"He's definitely playing really lights-out football — having a great year," running back Steven Jackson said Thursday. "He's one of the guys that I've watched all week. His explosiveness and sideline-to-sideline speed, once he recognizes or sees the ball, he does a really good job of avoiding blocks, getting to it and also doing a good job of getting his D-linemen off the double team because he's so fast."

DOUGLAS BACK AT PRACTICE (PER ALANTAFALCONS.COM)

Head coach Mike Smith said before practice Thursday that wide receiver Harry Douglas would be a limited participant, something he hasn't been since Week 4.

It's been 10 practices since wide receiver Harry Douglas has been a participant at any level, but the streak will end Thursday as head coach Mike Smith announced before the day's session that Douglas would be limited.

Douglas injured his foot in a Week 3 win over Tampa Bay and was scheduled to do a rehab run Wednesday despite being a non-participant in practice.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux is expected to be a non-participant again Thursday, but Smith said he's hoping to get him some limited reps on Friday.

"We'll have to see how both those guys handle their workload over the next couple of days to see what their game status will be," Smith said Thursday.

The Atlanta Falcons not only have to keep an eye on the key offensive weapons of the Detroit Lions, it appears the offense will have to be fully aware of the play of DeAndre Levy from the linebacker position.

The unknown player is making a name for himself this season on a much improved defensive unit.

The Falcons have scouted him intensely leading up to Sunday's game at Wembley Stadium and know that he'll be worth keeping an eye on.

"He was a sub-4.6 guy coming out," said Mike Smith of Levy, who played his college ball at Wisconsin. "He's a guy that comes downhill and he's very quick. When you are having to put four hands on those defensive linemen and he's coming downhill, he's winning a lot of his battles because of his speed. If you come off too quickly, that's when the defensive tackles will make their plays.”

Smith said the Lions don't do a whole lot of blitzing because of the strength of their defensive line in creating their own pressure, so Levy will be pivotal to watch when it comes to the run game.

With the possibility of wide receiver Harry Douglas getting back into action Sunday, the extra target could help keep Levy honest when it comes to playing the run, but getting a helmet on him during run plays will be crucial to having success on the ground.

"He's definitely playing really lights-out football — having a great year," running back Steven Jackson said Thursday. "He's one of the guys that I've watched all week. His explosiveness and sideline-to-sideline speed, once he recognizes or sees the ball, he does a really good job of avoiding blocks, getting to it and also doing a good job of getting his D-linemen off the double team because he's so fast."

DOUGLAS BACK AT PRACTICE (PER ALANTAFALCONS.COM)

Head coach Mike Smith said before practice Thursday that wide receiver Harry Douglas would be a limited participant, something he hasn't been since Week 4.

It's been 10 practices since wide receiver Harry Douglas has been a participant at any level, but the streak will end Thursday as head coach Mike Smith announced before the day's session that Douglas would be limited.

Douglas injured his foot in a Week 3 win over Tampa Bay and was scheduled to do a rehab run Wednesday despite being a non-participant in practice.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux is expected to be a non-participant again Thursday, but Smith said he's hoping to get him some limited reps on Friday.

"We'll have to see how both those guys handle their workload over the next couple of days to see what their game status will be," Smith said Thursday.

The Atlanta Falcons not only have to keep an eye on the key offensive weapons of the Detroit Lions, it appears the offense will have to be fully aware of the play of DeAndre Levy from the linebacker position.

The unknown player is making a name for himself this season on a much improved defensive unit.

The Falcons have scouted him intensely leading up to Sunday's game at Wembley Stadium and know that he'll be worth keeping an eye on.

"He was a sub-4.6 guy coming out," said Mike Smith of Levy, who played his college ball at Wisconsin. "He's a guy that comes downhill and he's very quick. When you are having to put four hands on those defensive linemen and he's coming downhill, he's winning a lot of his battles because of his speed. If you come off too quickly, that's when the defensive tackles will make their plays.”

Smith said the Lions don't do a whole lot of blitzing because of the strength of their defensive line in creating their own pressure, so Levy will be pivotal to watch when it comes to the run game.

With the possibility of wide receiver Harry Douglas getting back into action Sunday, the extra target could help keep Levy honest when it comes to playing the run, but getting a helmet on him during run plays will be crucial to having success on the ground.

"He's definitely playing really lights-out football — having a great year," running back Steven Jackson said Thursday. "He's one of the guys that I've watched all week. His explosiveness and sideline-to-sideline speed, once he recognizes or sees the ball, he does a really good job of avoiding blocks, getting to it and also doing a good job of getting his D-linemen off the double team because he's so fast."

DOUGLAS BACK AT PRACTICE (PER ALANTAFALCONS.COM)

Head coach Mike Smith said before practice Thursday that wide receiver Harry Douglas would be a limited participant, something he hasn't been since Week 4.

It's been 10 practices since wide receiver Harry Douglas has been a participant at any level, but the streak will end Thursday as head coach Mike Smith announced before the day's session that Douglas would be limited.

Douglas injured his foot in a Week 3 win over Tampa Bay and was scheduled to do a rehab run Wednesday despite being a non-participant in practice.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux is expected to be a non-participant again Thursday, but Smith said he's hoping to get him some limited reps on Friday.

"We'll have to see how both those guys handle their workload over the next couple of days to see what their game status will be," Smith said Thursday.

None of the 32 teams in the NFL drafted James Stone in May. He was lucky enough to show enough promise that he made the Atlanta Falcons take a long hard look at him. On Sunday, when the team takes on the Detroit Lions in London, Stone will be the starting center as both Joe Hawley and Peter Konz have both gone down with injuries.

This according to Jay Adams and the Falcons website.

Stone has been named the starting center on the latest unofficial Falcons depth chart, released Tuesday.

Konz left last week's loss to Baltimore in the first quarter with a knee injury, placing Stone, a University of Tennesse product, into an ever-changing offensive line. Stone performed well in his first extended action after seeing some time in two games previously.

The change is just another in a long line for the Falcons' front five, especially for Matt Ryan, who will be getting used to his third center this season with Konz and Joe Hawley on injured reserve.

"I thought James Stone did a great job of coming in and filling in for Peter," Ryan said Monday. "It's been one of the things that, this year, guys have had to step up and come in and play, especially on the offensive line, through some injuries."

Stone played in 45 games with 39 starts at Tennessee, including starts in each of his last 24 games. Last season, was named to the Rimington Award watch list, helping the Volunteers gain 2,261 rushing yards, the school’s highest total since 2004.

Harland Gunn will back Stone up at center, as well as at both guard positions. Newly signed tackle Jonathan Scot tis listed as the third string for both tackle positions.

Team looking forward to London (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Relocating Flowery Branch operations to London is no small task (more on that later today) and trying to find a routine among the festival atmosphere for the NFL's International Series could prove to be challenging, but the Falcons are set on controlling what they can control.

That means making the most of the opportunities to make the week in London just like any other week of game preparations, thousands of miles away from Flowery Branch or not.

"It's just like any other road game," head coach Mike Smith said Monday. "What we're trying to do is we're trying to make this like a home game. This is one of our eight home games that we have, so our schedule of the week will be the same as when we came over."

Immediately following their arrival in London, the Falcons set off to participate in a Play 60 event at a local school — an activity usually reserved for Tuesdays during a normal game week — and then got settled in at their hotel and headquarters for the week.

The players will have a CBA-mandated day off Tuesday before getting right into their normal game week preparations with walkthroughs and practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Saturday will provide a break from the norm as the team will participate in a fan fest at Trafalgar Square, but at the conclusion of that event, it's right back to focusing on Detroit and winning in Week 8.

"You've got to get on a time schedule where you can get some sleep and things like that because that's going to be important for the game," wide receiver Roddy White said. "We've got to do a lot of focusing on just getting our bodies and minds right for this chance, this opportunity that we've got over here in London."

None of the 32 teams in the NFL drafted James Stone in May. He was lucky enough to show enough promise that he made the Atlanta Falcons take a long hard look at him. On Sunday, when the team takes on the Detroit Lions in London, Stone will be the starting center as both Joe Hawley and Peter Konz have both gone down with injuries.

This according to Jay Adams and the Falcons website.

Stone has been named the starting center on the latest unofficial Falcons depth chart, released Tuesday.

Konz left last week's loss to Baltimore in the first quarter with a knee injury, placing Stone, a University of Tennesse product, into an ever-changing offensive line. Stone performed well in his first extended action after seeing some time in two games previously.

The change is just another in a long line for the Falcons' front five, especially for Matt Ryan, who will be getting used to his third center this season with Konz and Joe Hawley on injured reserve.

"I thought James Stone did a great job of coming in and filling in for Peter," Ryan said Monday. "It's been one of the things that, this year, guys have had to step up and come in and play, especially on the offensive line, through some injuries."

Stone played in 45 games with 39 starts at Tennessee, including starts in each of his last 24 games. Last season, was named to the Rimington Award watch list, helping the Volunteers gain 2,261 rushing yards, the school’s highest total since 2004.

Harland Gunn will back Stone up at center, as well as at both guard positions. Newly signed tackle Jonathan Scot tis listed as the third string for both tackle positions.

Team looking forward to London (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Relocating Flowery Branch operations to London is no small task (more on that later today) and trying to find a routine among the festival atmosphere for the NFL's International Series could prove to be challenging, but the Falcons are set on controlling what they can control.

That means making the most of the opportunities to make the week in London just like any other week of game preparations, thousands of miles away from Flowery Branch or not.

"It's just like any other road game," head coach Mike Smith said Monday. "What we're trying to do is we're trying to make this like a home game. This is one of our eight home games that we have, so our schedule of the week will be the same as when we came over."

Immediately following their arrival in London, the Falcons set off to participate in a Play 60 event at a local school — an activity usually reserved for Tuesdays during a normal game week — and then got settled in at their hotel and headquarters for the week.

The players will have a CBA-mandated day off Tuesday before getting right into their normal game week preparations with walkthroughs and practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Saturday will provide a break from the norm as the team will participate in a fan fest at Trafalgar Square, but at the conclusion of that event, it's right back to focusing on Detroit and winning in Week 8.

"You've got to get on a time schedule where you can get some sleep and things like that because that's going to be important for the game," wide receiver Roddy White said. "We've got to do a lot of focusing on just getting our bodies and minds right for this chance, this opportunity that we've got over here in London."

If Odell Beckham, Jr, could erase the past three months of his NFL career, he would jump at the chance. On Sunday, the Giants’ first round draft pick finally should what he could do on a playing field and New York won its third game in a row in a 30-20 win against the Falcons at home.

According to the Associated Press’s story on ESPN.com, Beckham made his NFL debut a memorable one, catching a go-ahead 15-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning with 10:02 left to lead the Giants to a 30-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, extending their winning streak to three games.

"To be out this long and to have to deal with the adversity I have had, I just I have to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play and for allowing me to score in my first game," Beckham said after scoring. "It's just great to get that off your chest."

Manning said the scoring pass in the corner of the end zone was a route that the two had never practiced. Beckham made a double move and came back to catch the ball.

The Falcons’ Matt Ryan still threw for 300 on the day, but the game belonged to the Giants, a team finding its stride at the right time under Ben McAdoo’s new offense.

Here are three things we learned from this game.

GROUNDED FALCONS

Julio Jones was targeted 11 times in the first half. This is the second time this year he has been targeted 10 or more times in a half. That only happened once from 2011-13.

Matt Ryan had his issues as well. Ryan was 2-of-8 for 44 yards and an interception on throws at least 15 yards downfield. Ryan has been brutal throwing downfield in road games this year, throwing at least one interception in all three road games (0-3 record).

IT’S WORKING IN SPITE OF THE INTERNAL STRIFE

Plain and simple - Ben McAdoo's offense is working. Even on an off day for Eli Manning (19-of-30 for 200 yards and two touchdowns), the Giants offense didn't turn the ball over (special teams and defense accounted for the two lost fumbles). Short passing continues to limit the turnover risk, keep Manning upright and has produced over a touchdown more per game than last season

THE LINE WORKED WELL

The Falcons' line lost center Joe Hawley and right tackle Lamar Holmes with season-ending injuries last weekend and had left guard Justin Blalock out with a back problem. Peter Konz, Gabe Carimi and Harland Gunn replaced them and kept Ryan upright most of the game, helping them take a 13-10 lead.

If Odell Beckham, Jr, could erase the past three months of his NFL career, he would jump at the chance. On Sunday, the Giants’ first round draft pick finally should what he could do on a playing field and New York won its third game in a row in a 30-20 win against the Falcons at home.

According to the Associated Press’s story on ESPN.com, Beckham made his NFL debut a memorable one, catching a go-ahead 15-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning with 10:02 left to lead the Giants to a 30-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, extending their winning streak to three games.

"To be out this long and to have to deal with the adversity I have had, I just I have to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play and for allowing me to score in my first game," Beckham said after scoring. "It's just great to get that off your chest."

Manning said the scoring pass in the corner of the end zone was a route that the two had never practiced. Beckham made a double move and came back to catch the ball.

The Falcons’ Matt Ryan still threw for 300 on the day, but the game belonged to the Giants, a team finding its stride at the right time under Ben McAdoo’s new offense.

Here are three things we learned from this game.

GROUNDED FALCONS

Julio Jones was targeted 11 times in the first half. This is the second time this year he has been targeted 10 or more times in a half. That only happened once from 2011-13.

Matt Ryan had his issues as well. Ryan was 2-of-8 for 44 yards and an interception on throws at least 15 yards downfield. Ryan has been brutal throwing downfield in road games this year, throwing at least one interception in all three road games (0-3 record).

IT’S WORKING IN SPITE OF THE INTERNAL STRIFE

Plain and simple - Ben McAdoo's offense is working. Even on an off day for Eli Manning (19-of-30 for 200 yards and two touchdowns), the Giants offense didn't turn the ball over (special teams and defense accounted for the two lost fumbles). Short passing continues to limit the turnover risk, keep Manning upright and has produced over a touchdown more per game than last season

THE LINE WORKED WELL

The Falcons' line lost center Joe Hawley and right tackle Lamar Holmes with season-ending injuries last weekend and had left guard Justin Blalock out with a back problem. Peter Konz, Gabe Carimi and Harland Gunn replaced them and kept Ryan upright most of the game, helping them take a 13-10 lead.

If Odell Beckham, Jr, could erase the past three months of his NFL career, he would jump at the chance. On Sunday, the Giants’ first round draft pick finally should what he could do on a playing field and New York won its third game in a row in a 30-20 win against the Falcons at home.

According to the Associated Press’s story on ESPN.com, Beckham made his NFL debut a memorable one, catching a go-ahead 15-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning with 10:02 left to lead the Giants to a 30-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, extending their winning streak to three games.

"To be out this long and to have to deal with the adversity I have had, I just I have to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play and for allowing me to score in my first game," Beckham said after scoring. "It's just great to get that off your chest."

Manning said the scoring pass in the corner of the end zone was a route that the two had never practiced. Beckham made a double move and came back to catch the ball.

The Falcons’ Matt Ryan still threw for 300 on the day, but the game belonged to the Giants, a team finding its stride at the right time under Ben McAdoo’s new offense.

Here are three things we learned from this game.

GROUNDED FALCONS

Julio Jones was targeted 11 times in the first half. This is the second time this year he has been targeted 10 or more times in a half. That only happened once from 2011-13.

Matt Ryan had his issues as well. Ryan was 2-of-8 for 44 yards and an interception on throws at least 15 yards downfield. Ryan has been brutal throwing downfield in road games this year, throwing at least one interception in all three road games (0-3 record).

IT’S WORKING IN SPITE OF THE INTERNAL STRIFE

Plain and simple - Ben McAdoo's offense is working. Even on an off day for Eli Manning (19-of-30 for 200 yards and two touchdowns), the Giants offense didn't turn the ball over (special teams and defense accounted for the two lost fumbles). Short passing continues to limit the turnover risk, keep Manning upright and has produced over a touchdown more per game than last season

THE LINE WORKED WELL

The Falcons' line lost center Joe Hawley and right tackle Lamar Holmes with season-ending injuries last weekend and had left guard Justin Blalock out with a back problem. Peter Konz, Gabe Carimi and Harland Gunn replaced them and kept Ryan upright most of the game, helping them take a 13-10 lead.

The game between the Falcons and the Giants is about as even a contest in the NFL this week that you will see.

A solid set of receivers on the Falcons roster, facing an improved secondary in the Giants defense. Two quarterbacks that can sling it all over the field – one in Eli Manning looking to find his stride in a new offense, the other in Matt Ryan, who is just coming into his own as an elite passer.

The defense for the Falcons is improved, yet injuries have done harm to the starting secondary. The Giants have shown improvement in the pass rush and the secondary is as solid as it was two seasons ago.

You never see equality in the NFL, rather you hope for it. This game could prove equality exists.

These clubs have met 21 times, with the Falcons holding a one-game edge (11-10) in the all-time series. Falcons head coach Mike Smith owns a 1-1 regular season record against the Giants, including a 34-0 shutout win at the Georgia Dome in 2012. Under Smith, the Falcons are 7-5 against NFC East opponents and 24-26 on the road.

Here are a few things to know regarding a Falcons win on Sunday, according to the team’s website and Reid Ferrin.

Top Matchup: Falcons T Jake Matthews vs Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul

If the Falcons are going to win the Week 5 matchup, QB Matt Ryan is going to need to be protected, especially from his blindside, a responsibility Matthews embraces at left tackle. The team's top pick in the 2014 NFL Draft will see plenty of Pierre-Paul, who enters the contest with 22 tackles and 1.5 QB sacks. "He's a really good player, really explosive, long and powerful," Matthews said. "He's got arms for days, so he's going to be a really good challenge for me."

Under the Radar Player to Watch: Falcons S Kemal Ishmael

Ishmael is being asked to help fill the big shoes of Falcons S William Moore, who is out for the next 6-8 weeks with a shoulder injury. As if his tireless work in the offseason isn't proof enough that he's ready, Ishmael's pick-six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 is just a glimpse of the playmaking ability the team needs from its secondary, especially against the likes of Giants TE Larry Donnell, who leads the team with 25 receptions and four TDs.

On the Radar Player to Watch: Falcons QB Matt Ryan

When you're the NFL's second-leading passer like Ryan is, throwing for 1,263 yards, you're always on the opposition's radar. The team's signal-caller has completed 101 of 152 throws, including 10 TDs in 2014, good enough for a passer rating of 100.3. For the season, he's thrown five INTs, all away from the Georgia Dome, but during the two-career games Ryan faced the G-Men in the regular season, he completed 49 of 74 passes for 538 yards and five TDs, with no INTs.

Number of the Game: 341

The Falcons have worked all week to improve in all three phases, including their run defense. Giants RB Rashad Jennings already has 341 rushing yards in 2014, including 2 TDs; if Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's crew plays disciplined football and up to its potential, limiting Jennings' yards could help lead to a third victory of the year.

THREE KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Win the Turnover Battle: The Falcons turnover ratio is minus-three, while the Giants are at plus-one; if the Falcons want a victorious plane ride home, they have to avoid the turnover bug, instead forcing Giants QB Eli Manning to commit a few of his own.

2. No Dancing Allowed: Giants WR Victor Cruz is one of the best slot receivers in the game, also potent on the outside; known for breaking out his salsa-dance celebration with every TD he scores (1 so far this season), the Falcons will benefit by preventing the ball from being in Cruz's hands.

3. Convert Third Downs: Too many three-and-out drives have proven costly for the Falcons in their two road defeats this season. In 2014, Atlanta is 27 of 49 (55 percent) on third down, while New York is 24 of 53 (73 percent). The Falcons offense is high-powered, but only when it's allowed to stay on the field: moving the chains on Sunday would open the door for the Falcons up-tempo style of play, hopefully quieting the 80,000-plus fans than will be cheering against them.

The game between the Falcons and the Giants is about as even a contest in the NFL this week that you will see.

A solid set of receivers on the Falcons roster, facing an improved secondary in the Giants defense. Two quarterbacks that can sling it all over the field – one in Eli Manning looking to find his stride in a new offense, the other in Matt Ryan, who is just coming into his own as an elite passer.

The defense for the Falcons is improved, yet injuries have done harm to the starting secondary. The Giants have shown improvement in the pass rush and the secondary is as solid as it was two seasons ago.

You never see equality in the NFL, rather you hope for it. This game could prove equality exists.

These clubs have met 21 times, with the Falcons holding a one-game edge (11-10) in the all-time series. Falcons head coach Mike Smith owns a 1-1 regular season record against the Giants, including a 34-0 shutout win at the Georgia Dome in 2012. Under Smith, the Falcons are 7-5 against NFC East opponents and 24-26 on the road.

Here are a few things to know regarding a Falcons win on Sunday, according to the team’s website and Reid Ferrin.

Top Matchup: Falcons T Jake Matthews vs Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul

If the Falcons are going to win the Week 5 matchup, QB Matt Ryan is going to need to be protected, especially from his blindside, a responsibility Matthews embraces at left tackle. The team's top pick in the 2014 NFL Draft will see plenty of Pierre-Paul, who enters the contest with 22 tackles and 1.5 QB sacks. "He's a really good player, really explosive, long and powerful," Matthews said. "He's got arms for days, so he's going to be a really good challenge for me."

Under the Radar Player to Watch: Falcons S Kemal Ishmael

Ishmael is being asked to help fill the big shoes of Falcons S William Moore, who is out for the next 6-8 weeks with a shoulder injury. As if his tireless work in the offseason isn't proof enough that he's ready, Ishmael's pick-six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 is just a glimpse of the playmaking ability the team needs from its secondary, especially against the likes of Giants TE Larry Donnell, who leads the team with 25 receptions and four TDs.

On the Radar Player to Watch: Falcons QB Matt Ryan

When you're the NFL's second-leading passer like Ryan is, throwing for 1,263 yards, you're always on the opposition's radar. The team's signal-caller has completed 101 of 152 throws, including 10 TDs in 2014, good enough for a passer rating of 100.3. For the season, he's thrown five INTs, all away from the Georgia Dome, but during the two-career games Ryan faced the G-Men in the regular season, he completed 49 of 74 passes for 538 yards and five TDs, with no INTs.

Number of the Game: 341

The Falcons have worked all week to improve in all three phases, including their run defense. Giants RB Rashad Jennings already has 341 rushing yards in 2014, including 2 TDs; if Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's crew plays disciplined football and up to its potential, limiting Jennings' yards could help lead to a third victory of the year.

THREE KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Win the Turnover Battle: The Falcons turnover ratio is minus-three, while the Giants are at plus-one; if the Falcons want a victorious plane ride home, they have to avoid the turnover bug, instead forcing Giants QB Eli Manning to commit a few of his own.

2. No Dancing Allowed: Giants WR Victor Cruz is one of the best slot receivers in the game, also potent on the outside; known for breaking out his salsa-dance celebration with every TD he scores (1 so far this season), the Falcons will benefit by preventing the ball from being in Cruz's hands.

3. Convert Third Downs: Too many three-and-out drives have proven costly for the Falcons in their two road defeats this season. In 2014, Atlanta is 27 of 49 (55 percent) on third down, while New York is 24 of 53 (73 percent). The Falcons offense is high-powered, but only when it's allowed to stay on the field: moving the chains on Sunday would open the door for the Falcons up-tempo style of play, hopefully quieting the 80,000-plus fans than will be cheering against them.

William Moore may not be able to play football for the Atlanta Falcons because of his injury suffered in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the defensive back is being counted on to lend a hand in the leadership of the secondary and the players brought in to help replace Moore and others on the injury list.

According to the Falcons website, the team made an announcement Tuesday that safety William Moore will miss significant time due to a shoulder injury. This was a jolt in more ways than one. Of course, he's proven productive during his six-year career, but in 2014, the defense was handed to him to lead.

With Sean Weatherspoon suffering a season-ending injury during OTAs, Moore took the reins and began to run with them. Now out for a minimum of eight weeks, Moore's presence and leadership will be a felt void in the defensive huddle.

Head coach Mike Smith spoke to Moore earlier Tuesday and impressed upon him how much the Falcons will still need to lean on him for help and guidance. Smith said he expects Moore to be present with the team every day during his recovery, in the film and meeting rooms, helping his teammates prepare for the games without him on the field.

"We're going to need his leadership, much like Sean," Smith said Tuesday. "Sean is with us in the meetings. We expect that William will do that, as well. He's designated to return, so he's a guy that's definitely going to be back before the season's over, so he's a guy that can help us win games."

Smith said second-year safety Kemal Ishmael will be the start in Moore's absence, and although Ishmael has played well in his limited time in 2014, Moore's presence off the field can be an asset to the young defensive player.

The team plays the Giants this week in New York. Atlanta lost to the Vikings while the Giants appeared to have found their offense last Thursday night against the Washington Redskins.

ROSTER MOVES MADE (ACCORDING TO ATLANTAFALCONS.COM)

The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have placed center Joe Hawley and tackle Lamar Holmes on injured reserve and placed safety William Moore on injured reserve-designated to return. Atlanta signed safety Sean Baker, tackle Cameron Bradfield, and guard Harland Gunn to the active roster, in addition to signing safety Kimario McFadden and guard Adam Replogle to the practice squad.

Hawley, 6-3, 302 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He has played in 57 games with 23 starts at both center and guard.

Holmes, 6-6, 333 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the third round (91st overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has played in 20 games with 17 starts at both left and right tackle.

Moore, 6-0, 221 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the second round (55th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. In four-plus seasons as a starter, Moore has amassed 421 tackles (281 solo) with 3.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, and eight interceptions.

Moore's designation means that he can return to the practice field after six weeks and then return to the active roster after eight weeks.

Baker, 6-0, 209 pounds, was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a college free agent out of Ball State following the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent part of the 2013 season on the Falcons practice squad before being signed to the active roster for the season finale.

Bradfield, 6-4, 308 pounds, was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a college free agent out of Grand Valley State following the 2011 NFL Draft. He has played in 41 games with 27 starts seeing action at both guard and tackle. Last season, Bradfield played in a career-high 15 games with 11 starts at left tackle.

Gunn, 6-2, 310 pounds, was originally signed by the Cowboys as a college free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Falcons in 2012 and played in three games as a reserve offensive guard during the 2013 season.

William Moore may not be able to play football for the Atlanta Falcons because of his injury suffered in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the defensive back is being counted on to lend a hand in the leadership of the secondary and the players brought in to help replace Moore and others on the injury list.

According to the Falcons website, the team made an announcement Tuesday that safety William Moore will miss significant time due to a shoulder injury. This was a jolt in more ways than one. Of course, he's proven productive during his six-year career, but in 2014, the defense was handed to him to lead.

With Sean Weatherspoon suffering a season-ending injury during OTAs, Moore took the reins and began to run with them. Now out for a minimum of eight weeks, Moore's presence and leadership will be a felt void in the defensive huddle.

Head coach Mike Smith spoke to Moore earlier Tuesday and impressed upon him how much the Falcons will still need to lean on him for help and guidance. Smith said he expects Moore to be present with the team every day during his recovery, in the film and meeting rooms, helping his teammates prepare for the games without him on the field.

"We're going to need his leadership, much like Sean," Smith said Tuesday. "Sean is with us in the meetings. We expect that William will do that, as well. He's designated to return, so he's a guy that's definitely going to be back before the season's over, so he's a guy that can help us win games."

Smith said second-year safety Kemal Ishmael will be the start in Moore's absence, and although Ishmael has played well in his limited time in 2014, Moore's presence off the field can be an asset to the young defensive player.

The team plays the Giants this week in New York. Atlanta lost to the Vikings while the Giants appeared to have found their offense last Thursday night against the Washington Redskins.

ROSTER MOVES MADE (ACCORDING TO ATLANTAFALCONS.COM)

The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have placed center Joe Hawley and tackle Lamar Holmes on injured reserve and placed safety William Moore on injured reserve-designated to return. Atlanta signed safety Sean Baker, tackle Cameron Bradfield, and guard Harland Gunn to the active roster, in addition to signing safety Kimario McFadden and guard Adam Replogle to the practice squad.

Hawley, 6-3, 302 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He has played in 57 games with 23 starts at both center and guard.

Holmes, 6-6, 333 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the third round (91st overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has played in 20 games with 17 starts at both left and right tackle.

Moore, 6-0, 221 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the second round (55th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. In four-plus seasons as a starter, Moore has amassed 421 tackles (281 solo) with 3.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, and eight interceptions.

Moore's designation means that he can return to the practice field after six weeks and then return to the active roster after eight weeks.

Baker, 6-0, 209 pounds, was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a college free agent out of Ball State following the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent part of the 2013 season on the Falcons practice squad before being signed to the active roster for the season finale.

Bradfield, 6-4, 308 pounds, was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a college free agent out of Grand Valley State following the 2011 NFL Draft. He has played in 41 games with 27 starts seeing action at both guard and tackle. Last season, Bradfield played in a career-high 15 games with 11 starts at left tackle.

Gunn, 6-2, 310 pounds, was originally signed by the Cowboys as a college free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Falcons in 2012 and played in three games as a reserve offensive guard during the 2013 season.

William Moore may not be able to play football for the Atlanta Falcons because of his injury suffered in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the defensive back is being counted on to lend a hand in the leadership of the secondary and the players brought in to help replace Moore and others on the injury list.

According to the Falcons website, the team made an announcement Tuesday that safety William Moore will miss significant time due to a shoulder injury. This was a jolt in more ways than one. Of course, he's proven productive during his six-year career, but in 2014, the defense was handed to him to lead.

With Sean Weatherspoon suffering a season-ending injury during OTAs, Moore took the reins and began to run with them. Now out for a minimum of eight weeks, Moore's presence and leadership will be a felt void in the defensive huddle.

Head coach Mike Smith spoke to Moore earlier Tuesday and impressed upon him how much the Falcons will still need to lean on him for help and guidance. Smith said he expects Moore to be present with the team every day during his recovery, in the film and meeting rooms, helping his teammates prepare for the games without him on the field.

"We're going to need his leadership, much like Sean," Smith said Tuesday. "Sean is with us in the meetings. We expect that William will do that, as well. He's designated to return, so he's a guy that's definitely going to be back before the season's over, so he's a guy that can help us win games."

Smith said second-year safety Kemal Ishmael will be the start in Moore's absence, and although Ishmael has played well in his limited time in 2014, Moore's presence off the field can be an asset to the young defensive player.

The team plays the Giants this week in New York. Atlanta lost to the Vikings while the Giants appeared to have found their offense last Thursday night against the Washington Redskins.

ROSTER MOVES MADE (ACCORDING TO ATLANTAFALCONS.COM)

The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have placed center Joe Hawley and tackle Lamar Holmes on injured reserve and placed safety William Moore on injured reserve-designated to return. Atlanta signed safety Sean Baker, tackle Cameron Bradfield, and guard Harland Gunn to the active roster, in addition to signing safety Kimario McFadden and guard Adam Replogle to the practice squad.

Hawley, 6-3, 302 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He has played in 57 games with 23 starts at both center and guard.

Holmes, 6-6, 333 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the third round (91st overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has played in 20 games with 17 starts at both left and right tackle.

Moore, 6-0, 221 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the second round (55th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. In four-plus seasons as a starter, Moore has amassed 421 tackles (281 solo) with 3.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, and eight interceptions.

Moore's designation means that he can return to the practice field after six weeks and then return to the active roster after eight weeks.

Baker, 6-0, 209 pounds, was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a college free agent out of Ball State following the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent part of the 2013 season on the Falcons practice squad before being signed to the active roster for the season finale.

Bradfield, 6-4, 308 pounds, was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a college free agent out of Grand Valley State following the 2011 NFL Draft. He has played in 41 games with 27 starts seeing action at both guard and tackle. Last season, Bradfield played in a career-high 15 games with 11 starts at left tackle.

Gunn, 6-2, 310 pounds, was originally signed by the Cowboys as a college free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Falcons in 2012 and played in three games as a reserve offensive guard during the 2013 season.