Atlanta Falcons vs. 49ers: Three keys to the game

Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) reacts after turning the ball over in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Protect the football

The key to getting things rolling on offense is to do a better job protecting the football. Atlanta has turned it over nine times on offense in the past three weeks, which is completely unacceptable and quick fire way to lose games in this league.

Tampa Bay didn’t dominate last week, but took full advantage of the turnovers. Without those, it’s hard to imagine Atlanta losing. The same can be said this week; protect the football and the Falcons should be too strong for the 49ers.

Against the Bucs, the ball was turned over twice in the red zone, and both were on the offense. Atlanta has beaten itself three weeks in a row, but got away with it in Tennessee due to poor play from backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Avoiding these mistakes will go a long way to winning on the road this week.