Atlanta Falcons Win Important Week Two Matchup Against Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons moved to 1-1 on the young season beating the Carolina Panthers 31-24. The win was a big one showing the Falcons can still thrive on offense.

Matt Ryan set the tone for the Atlanta Falcons and played one of his best games in recent memory. He completed 23 passes throwing for two scores and running for another two on the ground. One was an impressive quarterback sneak while the other saw him taking on three Panthers helicoptering in the air and into the end zone.

While the most important takeaway from the game was the red zone improvement for Atlanta there were other important keys to Atlanta’s victory.

Running the football against Carolina is tough. So tough that they hadn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher for more than 20 games. Tevin Coleman ended that streak rushing for 107 with Ito Smith adding in 46-yards of his own.

Both backs were impressive and gave Falcons fans reason to believe they will not miss Devonta Freeman who is out with an injury.

Coleman got out on the edge early in the game and continued to throughout the day. Using his speed to race past defenders.

For Ryan, it was an impressive game as well. Matts’s two touchdown runs may stand out but just as impressive were key red zone throws to Calvin Ridley and Austin Hooper.

Ridley emerged catching 4 balls for 64-yards making his first catch in his NFL career. Ridley looked like yet another elite weapon the Falcons can use in their offense in the coming weeks.

Worth noting here is the fact Ryan completed passes to eight different receivers. Just as we saw in his MVP winning year Ryan is at his best when he is moving the ball around not simply focusing in on Julio Jones.

Defensively the Falcons appeared leaky without their starting safety or middle linebacker. Duke Riley made some strides finishing with 7 tackles but still struggled at times filling his role.

Overall an impressive win for a team who will be getting set for their second straight divisional game against the New Orleans Saints next Sunday on FOX.