Atlanta Falcons vs. Oakland Raiders: 5 reasons the Falcons won

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Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Matt Ryan

The Atlanta Falcons simply do not win against the Oakland Raiders if they do not have Matt Ryan.

After a pretty solid performance in Week 1, Ryan followed up with one of his best games in a while. He completed 26 of 34 passes for 396 yards, his most since an overtime loss to Tampa Bay last season (397 yards). He also threw 3 touchdown passes to three different receivers. It appears that he is finally starting to settle into Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and this is very good for the Falcons hopes this season.

A big reason to Ryan’s success this afternoon was the switch to go no-huddle for a majority of the game.

It is clear to virtually all Falcons fans that Ryan and the offense operate better in the no-huddle and today was no exception. He made big time throws to nine different receivers against the Raiders. Ryan even ran for a key two-point conversion to put the Falcons up seven in the third quarter. All in all, a virtuoso performance from the veteran quarterback. Here’s to hoping he plays this well for the remainder of the season.

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