[cmg_cinesport url="http://cinesport.ajc.com/embed/ajc-atlanta-sports/d-led-what-must-improve-vs-titans/"]
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter and CineSport’s Noah Coslov preview Falcons-Titans by talking about the Falcons biggest question, the Titans QB situation and what Atlanta can fix this week.
NASHVILLE -- Here are 5 things to mull over before today's 1 p.m. kickoff between the Falcons (5-1) and the struggling Tennessee Titans (1-4) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Former UGA and LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger will start for the Titans and Charlie Whitehurst, the pride of Chattahoochee High and Clemson, will back him up. Love his nickname, "Clipboard Jesus."
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
- The Return of Levitre. Andy Levitre was traded to the Falcons from Tennessee. He took the high road during the week, but we'll see how emotional he gets during the game. Center Mike Person, who was injured against Washington and missed the Saints game, is set to return to the starting lineup. His backup James Stone played well against the Saints, but had a costly butt-fumble snap. Linebacker Justin Durant (elbow) is also available and expected to play.
- Devonta Freeman should have big day. The Titans give up 129.6 yards rushing per game, which ranks 28th in the league. The Falcons average 130 yards rushing, which is fourth in the league. Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan should be able to exploit this mismatch.
- Julio Jones update. Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones has fully recovered from his hamstring and toe injuries. He was not on the injury report this week and should be ready to turn in a monster game.
- Series matchup: The Titans lead the series 7-6. Atlanta won the last matchup, 23-17 in 2011. Over the years, the Falcons and the Titans have practiced together in training camp under former coaches Jim Mora and Mike Smith.
- No home-field advantage. The Titans are 0-3 at home this season and 1-10 over their last 11 games. This may be a Falcons' takeover game. The number of Falcons fans could reach about 10,000 and they'll be heard if the locals go mute. Will the Falcons make Nissan Stadium the Georgia Dome West?
STORY: Falcons need Beasley, rookies to take it up a notch
Beasley needs to lift up the pass rush
QB Corner: Matt Ryan on the Titans
3 key matchups: Falcons at Titans
Do the Falcons need to blitz more to help pass rush?
Ryan hopes he's over the rash of turnovers
Former Falcons WR Harry Douglas won't play for Titans today
Biermann fined for grabbing Saints RB Khiry Robinson's facemask
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How did the Falcons get to 5-1?
Here's a look back at the game stories, news and notes from their loss to the Saints (31-21) and their victories over the Redskins (25-19 in OT), Texans (48-21), Cowboys (39-28), Giants (24-20) and Eagles (26-24).
NEW ORLEANS GAME COVERAGE -- Saints 31, Falcons 21
5 things we learned in the Falcons' 31-21 loss to the Saints
Saints hand Falcons their first loss -- Quarter by Quarter
Matt Ryan: 'It was a tough night'
What the Falcons had to say after their 31-21 loss to the Saints
Why didn't the Falcons feed Freeman? -- Mike Check
Falcons flash some of their ugly past -- Jeff Schultz column
WASHINGTON GAME COVERAGE -- Falcons 25, Redskins 19 in OT
Falcons pull out 25-19 victory over Redskins in OT -- Quarter by Quarter
5 things we learned in the Falcons' 25-19 win over the Redskins
What the Falcons had to say after the 25-19 win
Ryan, offense struggle with turnovers
Mark Bradley column: The Frenetic Falcons: Five-and-oh-my!
Roddy White hears support from the crowd
15 comments from Dan Quinn on the Falcons' victory
Roddy White: 'I'll be a Falcons for life'
Tweetcap: Falcons beat Redskins in OT
TEXANS GAME COVERAGE -- Falcons 48, Texans 21
How the Falcons hammered the Texans -- Quarter by Quarter
5 things we learned from the Falcons' 48-21 win over the Texans
Devonta Freeman stars again for the Falcons
What the Falcons had to say after pummeling the Texans
9 comments from Dan Quinn on the Falcons' victory
Jeff Schult'z column: Devonta Freeman, 7 TDs -- who didn't see that coming
Schraeder, Matthews keep Watt in check
Hankerson turns in a 100-yard receiving day (second of his career)
Houston's J.J. Watt tips hat to the Falcons
Former Falcons great Jessie Tuggle honored during Texans game
COWBOYS GAME COVERAGE -- Falcons 39, Cowboys 28
Falcons 39, Cowboys 28 -- Quarter by Quarter
5 things we learned from the Falcons' 39-28 win over the Cowboys
Mark Bradley's short takes: Julio, Freeman and the defense
Devonta Freeman is catalyst for Falcons run game
QUOTEBOARD: What the Falcons had to say after beating Dallas
Julio Jones does it again: 12 catches, 164 yards and two touchdowns
Mark Bradley column: A dominant half shows what he Falcons could be
Offensive line cracked the run-game code
Ryan directed second-half fireworks show
Beasley help lead resurgence on defense
Where's Falcons wide receiver Roddy White?
GIANTS GAME COVERAGE -- Falcons 24, Giants 20
Falcons 24, Giants 20 -- Quarter by Quarter
5 things we learned from Falcons' 24-20 win over the Giants
Mark Bradley column -- Don't stop believin': Dan Quinn's men are 2-0
A record day for Julio Jones: 13 receptions
Kroy Biermann: 'We're a ball-attacking team'
EAGLES GAME COVERAGE -- FALCONS 26, EAGLES 24
5 things we learned from Falcons' upset win over Eagles
Matt Ryan leads Falcons to 26-24 win over the Eagles
Jeff Schultz column: An impressive debut by Quinn's new Falcons
