Trouble signs arise as Falcons lose second in a row
By Bud L. Ellis
The defense bent a few times too many, the offense missed on a few big-time opportunities, and the Atlanta Falcons couldn’t topple the NFC’s only undefeated team.
Losing 35-27 on Monday Night Football at New Orleans puts the Falcons three games behind the 7-0 Saints in the NFC South, a gap that will be quite difficult to make up during the course of the next nine weeks.
Just as difficult may be covering the gap between the type of play displayed by the Saints through seven weeks, and the Falcons’ effort of late. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw three interceptions, all costly, and while the Falcons’ defense hung tough, Atlanta did give up 28 first-half points.
There were positives, though. Michael Turner looked like Michael Turner, rushing for 151 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries and showing the flashes of speed and strength Falcons’ fans grew accustomed to last season.
But there were signs to cause if not worry, then at least concern as Atlanta lost consecutive games for the first time under second-year head coach Mike Smith.
Ryan wasn’t sharp, going 19-for-42. His offensive line didn’t give him much time to throw, to be fair, and the Falcons dropped several passes that should’ve been caught. Jason Elam missed two field goals that could’ve changed the complexion of the game.
And the Falcons defense gave up 437 yards in falling to 4-3 on the season.
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 9:33 pm by bud
Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Jason Elam, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Smith, National Football League, New Orleans Saints
