FALCONS INSIDER: Season’s 2nd quarter key

For a team that was not projected to do much this year, the Falcons went 2-2 in the first quarter of the season.

Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has shown flashes of the future, Michael Turner is a legitimate back and the defense has stopped the run for the most part.

Falcons coach Mike Smith thought the first quarter of the season —- the team’s first four games —- went well.

The second quarter of the season —- which starts today against Green Bay at Lambeau Field —- could possibly make or break this season for the Falcons.

“When you look at the second quarter, I think it will go a long way to defining what kind of football team we’re going to be this season,” Smith said. “It’s a quarter that has three games on the road.”

After the Packers, the Falcons host the Chicago Bears on Oct. 12 before taking their bye week.

The Falcons then travel to Philadelphia on Oct. 26 and to Oakland on Nov. 2 to see old friends Tom Cable and DeAngelo Hall.

Here’s a quick look ahead at the opponents the Falcons will face over the second quarter of the season:

Green Bay Packers

Record: 2-2

Skinny: The Packers are on a rare two-game losing streak and have won 10 of their past 12 regular-season homes games. The Falcons are 1-11 over their past 12 road games, including two losses this season.

Outlook: The Packers are beat up and might not have their starting quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, the heir to Brett Favre’s throne, injured his shoulder last week on a scramble against Tampa Bay. The Packers have not been able to run the ball, and their rushing defense has not been up to par.

Keys to victory: Running back Michael Turner must have a big day. He leads the league in rushing with 422 yards, and the Falcons lead the league overall with 181.8 yards per game.

Chicago Bears

Record: 2-2

Skinny: Return man Devin Hester has been slowed early this season by a rib injury. The Bears play at Detroit before facing the Falcons. Kyle Orton beat out Rex Grossman for the starting quarterback job and has thrown five touchdown passes. The Bears rely on rookie running back Matt Forte, a bruiser from Tulane who also is a good pass catcher.

Outlook: The Bears are still powered by Brian Urlacher and their defense. They needed a goal-line stand to preserve a 24-20 victory over the Eagles.

Keys to victory: Punter Michael Koenen’s hang time might be the Falcons’ secret weapon. His high punts will allow the coverage units to get down the field if the Falcons take a chance on kicking to Hester.

Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 2-2

Skinny: The Eagles have looked great at times this season, but without running back Brian Westbrook, they are very ordinary. Westbrook, who has an ankle injury, should be back before the Falcons go to the City of Brotherly Love. Quarterback Donovan McNabb has played well early in the season.

Outlook: Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan returns to his hometown and will get tested by Eagles defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson’s complex blitz packages.

Keys to victory: The Eagles are a very opportunistic team. They are second in the league with nine takeaways.

Oakland Raiders

Record: 1-3

Skinny: Interim coach Tom Cable was an assistant with the Falcons in 2006, Jim Mora’s final season as coach. What a nice guy like Cable did to inherit this mess from Al Davis is one of the great mysteries of our time.

Outlook: The Raiders were playing hard for Lane Kiffin and likely will keep it up for Cable. They have been defeated by three good teams: Buffalo, San Diego and Denver. Their victory was over Kansas City.

Keys to victory: The Falcons will need to keep running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush in check. The Raiders were able to run the ball in their only victory. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell does not appear comfortable in the pocket yet.