After a thrilling overtime victory against the New Orleans Saints in the season-opener, here are some storylines to watch heading into the Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Falcons' corners, including CB Desmond Trufant, showed their ability to cover receivers and break up passes, both of which factored in to the Falcons' victory over the Saints.
Was Sunday the best home-opener the Falcons have had? A victory over a division rival in overtime definitely puts it high on the list.
OL Gabe Carimi stepped up after the injury to teammate T Jake Matthews. Thanks to the offensive line, QB Matt Ryan was sacked only once in Sunday's game.
With division games to begin the season, the Atlanta Falcons are already tied at the top of the division with the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons could thate the lead of the division by Week 3 if they defeat the Bengals and the Panthers fall to the Lions.
Bengals WR A.J. Green had six receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown during the Bengals' win against the Baltimore Ravens. The Falcons' defense showed its ability to cover the Saints' receivers during Sunday's game and will have another challenge in covering Green.
The Falcons offensive line held strong against the Saints allowing only one sack, but will face another challenge in Bengals DT Geno Atkins during this week's game.
T Jake Matthews suffered an injury during the first half against the New Orleans Saints and did not return. According to head coach Mike Smith, his status will be updated on Wednesday with the release of the injury report.
K Matt Bryant is in the spotlight this week after kicking the game-winning 52-yard field goal against the Saints during overtime in the season-opener.
The Falcons have an arsenal full of weapons on offense including four running backs, four wide receivers and a tight end all fully capable of making plays. If Sunday's game showed fans anything, it was that QB Matt Ryan will not be lacking targets this season.
TE Levine Toilolo looked a lot like former TE Tony Gonzalez during the season-opener against the Saints. Toilolo made some key catches including a 1-yard touchdown that cut the Saints lead to three points.
Following their come-from-behind victory in Week 1, a lot of people have been talking about the Atlanta Falcons, including their next opponent. During a conference call, earlier in the week, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and WR A.J. Green each shared thoughts on the Falcons.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis describing Falcons QB Matt Ryan: "He has such a great command of where the ball should go, and the defense and the play, just a tremendous command. Part of the reason why we were able to work it out to come down there, I wanted (Bengals QB) Andy (Dalton) to witness Matt Ryan in person; I wanted him to be around him. I wanted him to see how Matt did things and the way he operated. He's what you're looking for."
Lewis on Ryan's ability to scramble, extending plays in Week 1: "He ran a couple times and he actually showed pretty good speed. He's that kind of a guy; he's a winner. He's able to extend a play if he needs to; he stepped up and around, he made the big play before halftime, when he spun out, and the receivers did a great job, getting themselves clean for him. He's a really productive, winning quarterback."
Bengals WR A.J. Green on the Falcons secondary: "They got some young guys on the edge that can really run and play. With Willy Mo (Falcons S William Moore) back there, one of the best safeties out there, you're going to come up in a hit. They're a real-talented group in the back end."
Green describing Moore: "He's like a linebacker, playing safety. He's always all over the field. He's so active. It's really hard to find a safety, who is that active and who can come out and run and hit."
Green on Falcons WR Julio Jones: "He's a great player; you saw what he did last year, before he got hurt. I know his ability. Our defense is going to have their hands full with him and (Falcons WR) Roddy (White) and all the other receivers."
