Here are three questions with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan on the Bengals:
On Geno Atkins and what problems he brings: "He's a great player. He's been anchoring the defensive line for a long time. I mean playing at an high level in this league for a long time. … He's a problem in the middle. But we've got good players up front, guys that are up to that challenge."
On the Bengals linebacker group: "Well, the front seven we don't see them that often and to me, they look like they're playing well. ... They're doing a nice job. Fit in the run game, they're aggressive against the run. They get downhill, do a nice job with that. Are solid in the zone scheme and the pass game as well. Dropping to the right spots, they're very consistent in what they do."
On safeties Jessie Bates and Shawn Williams: "They're a defense that plays a lot of split safeties and a lot of two-high zone. Those guys do a nice job of getting downhill and tackling from those spots in the run game, to keep from giving up too many plays. They also do a good job of keeping things in front of them in the pass game."
About the Bengals
» Marvin Lewis, the longest-tenured coach in Bengals history, is in his 16th season.
» Paul Brown (1968-75) and Sam Wyche (1984-91) are tied for second with eight seasons each. League-wide, only New England’s Bill Belichick has been with his team longer.
» The Bengals lead the series 8-5. They won the last meeting 24-10 in Sept. 14, 2014. The Falcons have won three of the last four meetings.
» The Bengal won their first two games. They defeated the Colts 34-23 and the Ravens 34-23, before losing 31-21 to Carolina.
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