A Reversal of Fortune
The Falcons 80-yard touchdown drive to open the game was slow and methodical.
Quarterback Matt Ryan used surgeon-like precision to convert on four-straight third downs and place the ball exactly where his receiver, Roddy White, could get a hand on it for a score.
On defense, the Falcons started with speed and aggression.
The Cowboys went three-and-out on their first offensive possession and didn’t record a first down in the opening period.
But in the NFL, a sense of comfort is often rewarded with a Texas-sized dose of reality.
Dallas scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter, including a 59-yard touchdown from Tony Romo to Miles Austin one play after a Ryan fumble. The Cowboys also added a field goal and ended the first half with a Houdini-like play where Romo escaped the grasp of three Falcons defensive linemen to find Patrick Crayton in the back of the end zone.
In all, Romo had 185 net passing yards in the first half. He had zero in the first quarter.
The Falcons allowed three quarterback sacks in the first half after going four games keeping Ryan upright and healthy. Michael Turner started to find some daylight, but it wasn’t enough to keep the offense in gear.
ADDITIONAL IN-GAME THOUGHTS…
… Tye Hill and Spencer Adkins (my neighbor on the bus ride to the game) are active for the first time this season. Hill didn’t get significant playing time in the first half while Adkins worked on special teams.
… Jamaal Anderson blew up a run play and tackled Marion Barber for a loss on the Cowboys second drive of the game. Notable mostly because he made the play from the defensive tackle position. Anderson put together a nice first half.
… It may seem odd considering the Cowboys three-headed monster at running back (Barber, Tashard Choice and Felix Jones) but Romo was the leading rusher in the first half — one attempt for 17 yards.
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Unfortunately I’m from New Orleans but have been a Falcons fan for 31 years. I hear things about the Saints first hand. From fans and the news. If the Falcons want to beat the Saints they HAVE TO pressure Drew Brees EVERY down. The Falcons defensive line will have to work extremely hard this week. They will have to go all out for the whole game Monday night. On offense the Falcons will have to establish the running game and will need short pass strikes. Ryan will not be able to pass for 20 or more yards at a time. Confidence is too high for the Saints defensive backs. Falcons need to control the game on offense and put the Saints 3 and out on defense. When Drew Brees has the ball the Falcons HAVE GOT TO ATTACK!!!!!! If that happens the Saints will have a long and painful, confusing game. Step up ATL!!!!!!!
I agree the Falcon defensive pass rush is key to a Falcons win. If they can get to Brees, knock him down and harrass him, this could be a long and frustrating night for the Saints.
Unfortunately to this point the Falcons haven’t shown that ability and without any heat on the passer, the Falcons secondary has looked very tentative and mediocre.
A strong Falcon running game would help keep the Saints offense off the field, but I suspect with the way the Saints can score so quickly trying to win the battle of time of possession won’t change the outcome.