2016 Atlanta Falcons: 5 Reasons why the Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a throw against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a throw against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Offensive Line

The Falcons offensive line played well again this week. Matt Ryan was only sacked twice and had a clean pocket for most of the evening. The running back duo also compiled a ridiculous 194 yards on 26 carries. That’s good for an average of 7.46 yards per carry, which is amazing. Now I know the Saints were without a lot of key defensive players tonight, but the line still played a great game.

Continually, they have created running lanes and kept Ryan upright. This unit a year ago was a liability, it has now turned into a strength. The addition of center Alex Mack has already proven to be one of Thomas Dimitroff’s best offseason signings.