Atlanta Falcons: 4 Things Learned vs. Saints

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker

(91) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

OFFENSIVE LINE STRUGGLES

For the first time in the 2015 season, the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line struggled. Throughout the first five games of the season, the offensive line had elevated its game to become one of the top squads in the league, giving Matt Ryan an adequate amount of protection to find his receivers while also providing excellent blocking for Devonta Freeman.

On Thursday, Matt Ryan was constantly pressured by Rob Ryan’s defense on Thursday. The offensive line did not possess the same confidence or physicality they had throughout the first five games of the season. Also, without center Mike Person, backup James Stone struggled snapping the ball all night to Ryan. Many of his snaps were high, forcing Matt Ryan to exert extra effort to field the ball cleanly, while another snap from stone did not even make it to Ryan, ricocheting off the back of the Falcons’ center, creating a turnover while the Falcons were deep in Saints territory.

Next: Turnovers and Penalties Kill