Atlanta Falcons vs Steelers: One positive, one negative

There’s always at least one positive and one negative in every game to take away, here is one of each for the Atlanta Falcons following Preseason Week 2

The Atlanta Falcons were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-13 in their second preseason game of the 2017 season. Preseason games are all for evaluation and, like most preseason games, there were many positives and some negatives that jumped out.

One positive: The First Team Offense

There were many questions going into this 2017 season about how new offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, was going to keep well-oiled offensive juggernaut going? After two early preseason games, we may have our answer: he’s going to be just fine.

The first team offense continued their hot streak with a first quarter 91-yard touchdown drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

Quarterback Matt Ryan, in his only series of the day, was 4-of-6 for 57 yards and a quarterback rating of 97.2. Receivers, Mohamed Sanu and tight end Austin Hooper contributed to the drive with four catches combined that eventually led to a touchdown by running back Terron Ward.

Even with receivers Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel out as well as Devonta Freeman missing action, the first team offense still looked the well-oiled machine that Falcons fans have grown accustomed to.

Note to NFL defenses: Look Out.

One Negative: O-Line Depth

Special Teams could’ve been the most talked area of concern for this game and no one would argue with that. However, the depth at the O-Line takes this one.

In 2016, the Falcons offensive line played all 16 games last year, which is a rarity in the NFL. Fans should hope that they can accomplish this again because after two games the backups haven’t given them a reason too celebrate.

Just when things looked up with the back up linemen helping third-string quarterback Matt Simms to two scoring drives in the first half, things went down hill in the second half.

Simms and fellow reserve signal caller Alek Torgersen were given no time to throw and each threw a pick in the second half. Yes, there are two more games left in the preseason but the back up offensive linemen need to play much better in order to give the Falcons hope about their depth at the position.

Next: When to target the Falcons in fantasy drafts

The recent signing of veteran Austin Pasztor may help, and Sunday’s game showed why the team felt reaching out to him was necessary.