Sixteen Players to Watch: Falcons at Bengals
After a huge win at home during the season-opener, the Falcons are focused on continuing the momentum against a well-rounded Cincinnati Bengals team. Keep an eye on these eight players from both teams this week.
The Falcons have shown an impressive depth at running back including RB Antone Smith. Smith showed his ability to shake off defenders and power through the defense during the week one game against the New Orleans Saints including a 54-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Bengals' WR A.J. Green's made several huge catches during the Bengals week one victory over the Baltimore Ravens including an acrobatic 77-yard touchdown reception. Green's ability to make game-changing plays poses a challenge for the Falcons defense during the week two match-up.
WR Devin Hester showed that he is much more than just a kick-returner during the game against the Saints. Hester's five catches for 99 yards was second most on the team and included a catch during the final moments of the fourth-quarter that led to the field goal that sent the game into overtime. Hester is quickly becoming one of Ryan's biggest weapons on offense.
Two-time Pro Bowler and one All-Pro team selection Bengals' DT Geno Atkins can be disruptive in the pass and rush game for a team. Keeping Atkins out of the backfield will be key for the Falcons offensive line.
QB Matt Ryan made franchise history during the season-opener throwing for a single game high of 448 yards and furthering his record for pass yards with 23,920 total, but it was his ability to make plays when it counted that won the game for the Falcons. Spreading the ball around to nine separate receivers, and even making plays with his legs, Ryan looked on top of his game during the victory over the Saints.
During the Bengals week one win over the Ravens, QB Andy Dalton threw for 301 yards including a 77-yard touchdown pass to WR A.J. Green. Although a majority of drives ended in field-goals, Dalton showed his ability to lead the team down the field and get points on the board.
With the injury to T Jake Matthews, it was OL Gabe Carimi that stepped up to fill his shoes and held off the New Orleans Saints defense. With Matthews status unknown, Carimi has had a chance to fully prepare for the position at left tackle this week.
With Bengals' TE Tyler Eifert placed on injured reserves after suffering a shoulder injury, TE Jermaine Gresham is left on his own on an offense known for its dual weapons. The veteran has been to two pro bowls and is a favorite target by QB Andy Dalton.
CB Desmond Trufant played a crucial part in the victory over the Saints, covering receivers that are known to make plays and breaking up passes. Trufant will have another challenge this week in the Bengals' offense.
Bengals' RB Giovani Bernard leads the Bengals' running game. During the week one win, Bernard only rushed for 48 yards, but with 62 receiving yards he's proven his ability to be a dual threat.
LB Paul Worrilow played a major role on the Falcons' defense during week one leading the team in tackles with 15. Worrilow may have his hands full this week keeping Bengals' RB Giovani Bernard under check.
Bengals' LB Vontaze Burfict's forced fumble during the game against the Ravens set up the offense to lead 15-0 going into halftime. Burfict's determination and toughness make him dangerous on defense.
It was S William Moore's forced fumble on Saints' WR Marques Colston that set up the game-winning field goal in overtime. Moore's ability to make plays when it counts and come up with tackles make him a vital part of the Falcons' defense.
Between Bengals' LB Vontaze Burfict and LB Rey Maualuga, the Falcons' offensive line will have to hold off two highly effective tacklers.
The win against the Saints could not have been possible without K Matt Bryant. Kicking the 51-yard field goal that pushed the game to overtime and the 52-yard field goal to win the game, it was Bryant's kicking ability that decided the game.
Out of the 23 points scored by the Bengals, 15 of them came from field goals made by Bengals K Mike Nugent. Going into halftime, Nugent had already made 5 field goals, scoring the only points on the board at that point. In the NFL, the difference between and win and a loss can be a few points, and both teams are equipped with a kicker that performs under pressure.
