Atlanta Falcons vs. Los Angeles Rams: Instant Reaction
By Matt Karoly
The Atlanta Falcons made the Rams look like the inferior team they are. What were the key takeaways from today’s game?
If only the Atlanta Falcons could play the Los Angeles Rams every week.
The Falcons dominated all three phases of a get right game, in route to a 42-14 win. The defense led the charge, forcing a season high five turnovers, two of which were returned for six points. Atlanta now leads the NFL with five defensive touchdowns.
The Falcons quarterback spread the ball to eight different receivers…
The Falcons offense did not look great, but being without your two best receivers will do that to you. In three quarters of action, Matt Ryan went 18 of 28 for 237 yards and three touchdowns. The Falcons quarterback spread the ball to eight different receivers in a dink-and-dunk style offense.
Ryan did, however, connect on a 64 yard bomb to Taylor Gabriel at the start of the third quarter. The score put the team up 28-0, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Performances such as this proved the Falcons are a much scarier team to face when all hands are on deck. Every player on the 46 man active roster seemed to play a part in the win.
Nick Williams (four catches 49 yards) and Paul Worrilow (five tackles, fumble recovery) were the latest members to buy into the “next man up” approach.
The Falcons’ run game would be the one negative, if any. The team rushed the ball 25 times for a meager 66 yards. As a result, the balance was nonexistent from the Falcons offense today. Atlanta will not be able to get away with such a performance against better competition.
The bright side for the Falcons is the 49ers’ last ranked run defense visits the Georgia Dome next week. Even if Julio and Sanu are held out for a second consecutive week, the offense should be fine with Freeman and Coleman toting the rock.
The team’s depth was on full display in Los Angeles. Atlanta can beat anyone in the NFL if they continue to get the production from role players they did today.