The Falcons’ future looked so bright that everyone needed sun glasses after they opened the season with a thrilling overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Now, that seems like light years ago as the Falcons continued their slide into oblivion.
With the offensive line unable to protect quarterback Matt Ryan and the defense off balance, the Falcons were trounced 29-7 by the Baltimore Ravens before 71,181 fans at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Ryan was sacked five times by the Ravens, including for a safety in the fourth quarter.
The Ravens improved to 5-2, while the Falcons dipped to 2-5. The Falcons, who were hoping to rebound from a 4-12 season in 2013, were also 2-5 after seven games last season.
The Falcons have lost three straight and four out of five since a season-opening, 37-34 win over New Orleans.
They have lost 11 of their last 12 road games, including four this season. They haven’t beaten an opponent with a winning record on the road since a 24-23 victory at Tampa Bay Nov. 25, 2012.
The Falcons were in danger of being shut out for the first time since Tampa Bay beat them 27-0 on Dec. 5, 2004. Ryan’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White with 7:12 to play averted the shut out.