Storylines: Falcons at Bengals
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.
