3 Ways the Atlanta Falcons can steal a win against the Rams in week two

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is tackled by Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is tackled by Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Matthew Stafford’s offensive line must continue to struggle

In watching back both the Falcons and Rams games the biggest factor that jumped out was the difference in the offensive line play. While the Bills are the better team the Saints have a great defensive unit that has given the Atlanta offensive line fits in seasons past. However, on Sunday the offensive line was impressive protecting Mariota and consistently giving him a chance to make a play. While their run blocking still is far from elite it was improved as well and allowed Cordarrelle Patterson to have a career day rushing the football.

Stafford’s offensive line on the other hand was completely lost against the Bills. While Matthew deserves blame for how he played against the Bills it is hard to fault the quarterback completely when you watch how long it took any receiver not named Cooper Kupp to get open and how little protection he had.

If Atlanta is able to upset the Rams it is going to be because week one wasn’t simply the outlier but an indication that this offensive line is truly bad. Atlanta’s pass rushers certainly took a huge step up against the Saints in week one can they continue that momentum against the struggling Rams?