In a battle of defending division champions, the Falcons escaped with a 30-28 victory over the Seahawks.
What we learned
1. The pass rush needs work: After lighting up Chicago's Jay Cutler for five sacks and 11 quarterback hits in the season-opener, the Falcons pass rush has gone sackless and registered just 12 quarterback hits in three games against Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Seattle. Coach Mike Smith likes to say that the pass defense is a combination of pass rush and coverage. The pass rush has not helped the coverage and the coverage guys botched several assignments against Seattle. They dared Seattle's Tarvaris Jackson to pick apart their zone coverages. The enigmatic Jackson had a career-day as he completed 17 of 24 passes in the second half and finished with a career-high 319 yards. Defensive end Ray Edwards, who was signed to a five-year, $30 million deal, did not register a sack over the first quarter of the season.
2. Wide receiver Julio Jones is a force:The Falcons liked the matchup with Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner on Jones. He was targeted 17 times and caught 11 passes for 127 yards. If you take away a few poorly blocked screen passes the Falcons threw to Jones, his yards per catch would be much higher. Jones leads all rookies with 24 catches for 342 yards but no touchdowns. Fifteen of his catches have gone for first downs (62.5 percent). He's caught five passes of 20 yards or more and two for 40 yards or more.
3. The no-huddle works : For the first time this season, the Falcons opened with a touchdown drive on their first possession. The team was especially productive in its no-huddle offense. Matt Ryan marched the offense 72 yards on 12 plays. The offense converted two third downs, the last of which when Michael Turner powered his way to a 3-yard gain. After Turner's first down, the offense picked up the tempo with its no-huddle and in four plays gobbled up 45 yards to set up Ryan's 1-yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez.
Injury report
Cornerback Kelvin Hayden (cornerback) returned to the lineup and had two tackles. Center Todd McClure (knee) left the game and did not return. Defensive end Ray Edwards and defensive tackle Peria Jerry left the game with undisclosed injuries, but both returned. Running back Jason Snelling (head), linebacker Stephen Nicholas (calf) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (knee) were also inactive against the Seahawks. Coach Mike Smith said Monday he expects Snelling to be cleared to return to practice this week.
The numbers game
94.4
Quarterback Matt Ryan’s passer rating as he completed 28 of 42 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown. It was his highest-rated game of the season. He had lower ratings against Chicago (76.5), Philadelphia (91.5) and Tampa Bay (75.6).
8
Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton's and safety William Moore's team-leading tackle total.
0
The number of sacks the Falcons’ offensive line gave up against the Seahawks. They unit was helped by balanced play calling. Ryan attempted 42 passes; there were 36 runs.
Sound bite
“It was in the open field. I had to get him down anyway I could.”
--Falcons safety William Moore on his takedown tackle of Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice in the first half.
Loose ends
Tight end Tony Gonzalez has 92 career touchdown catches and ranks ninth on the NFL’s all-time touchdown receptions list. He trails Don Huston (99), Tim Brown (100), Steve Largent (100), Marvin Harrison (128), Cris Carter (130), Terrell Owens (153), Randy Moss (153) and Jerry Rice (197). . . In the first quarter, the Falcons held the Seahawks to 5 yards rushing. . . Lofton hauled down his second career interception against Seattle.
What’s next
Atlanta (2-2) hosts the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers (4-0) at 8:20 p.m. at the Georgia Dome. The Packers defeated the Falcons 48-21 in the divisional round of the playoffs last season.
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