Matt Ryan and the Falcons got back to work on Wednesday as they prepare for another AFC South matchup against the Tennessee Titans (1-2).
The Falcons are 1-8 against AFC opponents over the past two seasons and will be looking to get back in the win column after a tough road loss against the Colts (2-1).
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We're talkin' about practice
The Falcons emphasis this week is on themselves. In order to even have a chance to beat the Titans, the Falcons have to play at the level their capable of playing and limit the self-inflicted mistakes like penalties and interceptions.
The Falcons had 16 penalties for 128 yards against the Colts. The team plans to address the issue by adding more referees at practice.
"I thought we did a nice job of getting back to work," Ryan said. "That's usually the best thing after a tough loss is to get back on the practice field and start working towards a new opponent."
Offense all in on 'solid execution'
The Falcons have been able to move the ball successfully at times this season. When they haven't turned the ball over, they've been able to put up points.
The problem for Atlanta's offense in its two losses has been the team has dug itself into too big of a hole in the first half to overcome.
Ryan completed 22 of 23 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns in the second half of the Week 3 loss. Devonta Freeman was able to get the run game going for the first time this season rushing for 88 yards on 16 carries.
Julio Jones is tied for first in the league in touchdowns with four on the year. Second-year wide receiver Calvin Ridley has 13 catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
The offense has shown flashes of the dominant unit they can be when they don't beat themselves.
"It really is as simple as that," Ryan said. "It's about all 11 guys doing their job and finishing the play. When we do that and everyone is on the same page, we can be very successful."
Ryan impressed with Titans' defense
Ryan knows the defense he is about to face is one of the better ones in the league. The Titans have one of the best safeties in the game in Kevin Byard and a talented linebacker corps led by Rashaan Evans.
The Titans rank No. 8 in the league in points allowed per game with 17.3.
"Tennessee's defense is really good," Ryan said. "I think they're top-10 in the league in six categories. They're physical against the run, they do a good job on first and second down of putting you in third and long situations. And then They have an extensive blitz package, they give you a number of different looks. They play physical and the play hard."
