Matt Ryan not happy with his play

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown seven interceptions over the past three games, the worst stretch of his brief NFL career.

"I've got to play better," Ryan said. "As a quarterback, you've got to protect the football better, and I haven't done a great job of that the last couple of weeks."

Ryan completed 19 of 42 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown against the Saints. He had a lowly passer rating of 46.6, his third consecutive sub-70 rating.

Ryan's first interception was returned 38 yards by Jabari Greer for a touchdown.

"It was just a poor decision," Ryan said. "I have to get rid of the football in that situation."

The second one killed a potential go-ahead scoring drive in the fourth quarter, when a pass intended for Tony Gonzalez was tipped by Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and intercepted by Tracy Porter.

"It's frustrating because we felt like we had that opportunity," Ryan said.

His last interception came on a desperation heave with three seconds left in the game.

Falcons coach Mike Smith stands behind his quarterback.

"I'm not concerned at all," Smith said. "Statistically it hasn't been the best games over the last three games. But again, you can't make that judgment until after 16 games."

However, Smith did see some issues with the Falcons' passing attack.

"It looked like we had opportunities to get the ball down the field, but we weren't able to do it," Smith said.

DeCoud a playmaker

Safety Thomas DeCoud's hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees that led to Kroy Biermann's touchdown was an option-blitz.

He was in man coverage with a running back. If the running back stayed in to block, then DeCoud would have the green light to blitz. The back did, and DeCoud shot through the hole on a pressure rush and walloped Brees.

"As I was getting up, I saw [Biermann] scoop and score," DeCoud said.

Cornerback focus

Tye Hill made his first start with the Falcons, but left the game after suffering cramps. He was injured on Saints wide receiver Marques Colston's 18-yard touchdown reception.

Brent Grimes, whom Hill was replacing in the starting lineup, came in and was solid.

Hill appeared to tackle much better than Grimes when he was in the game.

"I think it went well," Hill said. "I wish I could get a couple of those plays back, but I got in and finally got my feet wet."

Smith wouldn't name the starter for the Redskins game.

"That will be something that will be decided from week to week as we move forward," Smith said. "I think it's very competitive between those ... guys."

Grimes had an interception on which he made a spectacular jump to catch the pass.

"I just saw the ball and went up and got it," Grimes said.

Etc.

* Defensive end John Abraham clearly is slowed by his left foot injury. He had one quarterback hurry against New Orleans. "Abe has been fighting nicks and things through the entire season," Smith said.

* Running back Verron Haynes played 29 snaps against the Saints.

* Placekicker Jason Elam missed two field goals, a 34-yarder hit the left upright. A 51-yarder was short and wide. "Jason did not kick the ball like we are accustomed to seeing him kick the ball," Smith said.