Bair Mail: Avoiding slow starts, outside help at cornerback and Matt Ryan comps

Your questions get answered in this week's mailbag.

Aug 30, 2021 at 05:34 PM

Scott Bair

Falcons Digital Managing Editor

The Falcons digital team left Mercedes-Benz Stadium around 2 a.m. Monday morning after wrapping coverage from the Falcons preseason finale.

Not like the kids cared I hit the pillow at around 4. They were still shaking me awake just before 7 o'clock, demanding Fruit Loops in copious amounts.

I say all that to say this: I haven't had much sleep. This Bair Mail may get a little wacky.

We'll try to keep things focused on what you want to know as the Falcons transition to the regular season.

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They'll have full roster cuts by Tuesday afternoon, when the NFL mandates rosters go from 80 to 53. That's just the initial wave, however, with more movement on the horizon while signing practice squad players and claiming/signing players cut by other teams.

Jim Campbell from Townsend, Tenn.

Scott, Great work keeping us up to speed with the Falcons. Last three years have been woeful to start the year...1-4 in 2018, 1-7 in 2019 and 1-6 in 2020. My concern is that a stumble out of the gate against a less talented Eagles team and a trip to Tampa immediately following might have us on a slippery slope yet again to start the season. We do have the Giants, Washington football team and Jets before an early bye week. Do you see us stopping the slide against any or all of those squads?

Oh, and for the record, I am with you 100% on starters in preseason. That chemistry everyone is screaming for is worthless with a Ryan, Davis, Ridley or Jarrett on the IR. Thanks again for your great work. -- Jim

Bair: Glad to hear you're with me on starters in the preseason. Always nice to have friends on the right side of an argument.

Regarding the Falcons' slow starts, you're correct. They're season killers. That can't happen in 2021, and the schedule sets up favorably for the Falcons. If they could start the season at 3-2, that would build confidence and kick this season off right. That's not pie-in-the-sky. That's possible against a softer spot on the schedule.

The Falcons need momentum, proof recent fourth-quarter woes are really behind them. It would also help players buy in further to Arthur Smith after the new head coach make a solid first impression during the offseason program and training camp.

Genaro Espinosa from Mexico

Dean Pees and his aggressive defense is certainly a breath of fresh air, but we don´t have enough impact players. At least we should try to make a trade for a cornerback to play next to A.J. Terrell. I hope the GM makes a move before the season starts, if not, we should expect a long season. But that is just my opinion. What do you think?

Bair: I don't think the Falcons are a starting cornerback away from being a dominant defense. I also don't think general manager Terry Fontenot has any desire to trade valuable draft assets while in the process of building this team through the college ranks and with smart spending that will free them from salary-cap issues.

So, unless Fontenot can pry Jalen Ramsey from the Rams for a conditional seventh, it probably ain't happening. Get to know Fabian Moreau. Odds are astronomical going to be the outside cornerback to start the season.

Jake Stevens from Gainesville, Ga.

Dude I know you came from another team. I've always lived in Georgia and always been a hometown fan. So, with that being said, do other fan bases across the nation disrespect there quarterback the way Atlanta has disrespected Matt Ryan this off-season?

Bair: In two words: Heck yeah. I covered the Raiders for eight seasons and Derek Carr was a public enemy when things didn't go right. It didn't seem to matter that he'll set every franchise passing record, that his numbers have steadily improved each year under Jon Gruden. If the Raiders didn't make the playoffs, it was his fault. He's essentially the lone carryover from several failed regimes, so fans now blame him when things go south despite the fact he has always represented the organization well.

I use that as example you can relate to. Everything I just said about Carr could be attributed to Matt Ryan, with a few major differences. Carr never won an MVP. He never played in a playoff game. He never to a team to a Super Bowl.

It seems like fans are upset because a window of opportunity to win a Super Bowl closed without a championship, and Ryan's the one left to blame despite the fact it wasn't his fault they didn't get one.

That adage that the backup is every fan's favorite player, until he plays, anyway, rings true. Ryan's the right guy for 2021. He was the right guy the last 13 years.

Mike S. from Calgary, Canada

All right, save this question if you must but you'll get it a lot - once the final roster is announced hit the Falcons faithful with your never to be made a cold take final record prediction for this season?

Bair: The final roster hasn't been announced yet, so I don't have to give you one yet. Ha. But here's a bold prediction for you. They won't go .500.

Mostly, you know, because they can't. Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink.

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 signs a jersey for a fan after a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Rosen #16 during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 poses for a photo with his brother Jordan Franks #87 of the Cleveland Browns after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee #52 gestures to a young fan after a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 and Malik Jackson #97 of the Cleveland Browns swap jerseys post game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Brandon Copeland #51 poses for a photo post game after facing the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 poses for a photo with his family after facing the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Josh Rosen #16 throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 celebrates after a big play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back JR Pace #4, Darren Hall #34 and linebacker Erroll Thompson #53 celebrate after a big play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 celebrates with center Drew Dalman #67 after a big play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back JR Pace #41 and linebacker Erroll Thompson #53 celebrate after a big play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 runs after catching a pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 catches a pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Josh Rosen #16 drops back to pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Williamson #29 defends against Cleveland Browns wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley #84 during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Josh Rosen #16 throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 hands off to running back Caleb Huntley #42 during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 carries the ball during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 celebrates after breaking up a pass during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 tackles Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper #81 during the first quarter of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Kobe Jones #49 and inside linebacker Mykal Walker #43 line up during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 celebrates after making a big play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 makes a tackle against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 calls a play in the huddle during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 makes a tackle during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams #35 returns a kickoff during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 celebrates after making a bog play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 celebrates with his teammate after making a big play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 makes a call against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 rushes during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 rushes during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 makes a tackle against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 defends against Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones #11 against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Mykal Walker #43 celebrates after making a tackle during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 stands during the national anthem before facing the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 is seen on the sideline during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith yells from the sidelines while facing the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 walks out of the locker room before facing the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 and running back Mike Davis #28 walk out of the locker room before facing the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 prepares to take the field prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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A general view inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium during a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cleveland Browns in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Atlanta Falcons take the field prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman #67 warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Scene setters before the Atlanta Falcons play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 warm up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Josh Rosen #16 warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Scene setters before the Atlanta Falcons play against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith meets with Atlanta United head coach Gonzalo Pineda prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, August 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)

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Bair Mail: Avoiding slow starts, outside help at cornerback and Matt Ryan comps

Your questions get answered in this week's mailbag.

Game Photos | Preseason Week 3 Browns at Falcons

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