Here’s what Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had to say about the Dallas defense:

On the defense overall: "It's a talented defense. Their front four, it's different from what we've seen the last couple of weeks. But they are very talented. They have very good speed on the outside. They run good (stunts). Very sound within their scheme. Up the field, penetrating guys. We certainly have our work cut out for us because it's a good defense."

On Demarcus Lawrence: "Talented. I think he leads the league in sacks. No, he's second. He's gotten after the passer. He's done a really good job. They've created a lot of those opportunities with a four-man rush. We are going to have to do a good job up front. We have to account for where he's at and be sound with our protection schemes."

On the young cornerbacks (Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown): "Both of those guys on the back end have done a nice job. They marry-up the front end and the back end. They get really good pass rush, and they are aggressive on the outside. I think there is talent across the board. (Orlando) Scandrick moves inside to the nickel spot and he does a good job there as well. There are some good players on this defense."

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is seen on the sidelines after leaving the field with an apparent injury during the second half of an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. 
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Rose Scott signals as "Closer Look" goes on the air in the WABE studio. An Atlanta resident left WABE a $3 million donation, a boost after WABE lost $1.9 million in annual funding from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. (Ben Gray for the AJC 2023)

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