After starting the 2011 season modestly with a 1-2 record, the Falcons got a much need road win at Seattle 30-28 on Sunday. There were positive and negatives to be taken away, but most importantly, the Birds flew back to Atlanta with a .500 record.
In the first half at Seattle, everything was going like head coach Mike Smith would like to draw it up. The offense exploded for 24 first half points. The offensive line bent but never collapsed. The defense kept the Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch at bay. Lynch would gain just 24 rushing yards on the afternoon.
NOW THE BAD…
The second half didn’t go so well for the Falcons. The defense gave up too many of what Smith calls “chunk “plays. The offense lacked the ability to put more than a touchdown up in the final 30 minutes. Afterwards, Smith commented, “We didn’t finish strong. … We’ve got some things we have to correct. “
The defense allowed 319 yards passing, in large part because they started the second half with a big lead and the Seahawks abandoned the running game. One telling stat: the Falcons defensive front hurried quarterback Tavaris Jackson nine times but recorded zero sacks.
READY FOR RODGERS…
For the second time in one month, all eyes and cameras will be focused on a prime time Sunday night game in Atlanta. This week’s 8:20 kickoff at the Georgia Dome versus the Green Bay Packers should be fantastic.
Green Bay Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ last four games has seen him throw 12 touchdowns, 1,325 yards and just two picks while earning a passer rating of 124.6.
Defensive coordinator Dom Capers will do everything he can to confuse and disrupt the plans of the Atlanta offense. With superstar linebacker Clay Matthews attacking Matt Ryan and the Atlanta backfield, it could get very interesting very often. Will Atlanta push the pounding, clock-eating ground game led by Michael Turner, or will they opt to simply outscore Green Bay with the efficient no-huddle offense?
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