Atlanta Falcons Have Solved Their Red Zone Blues

It was a refreshing sight for the Atlanta Falcons in week two it looked like the 2016 Falcons offense. For one game, and hopefully more, the Falcons efficiency in the Red Zone was not bad in fact, it was great!

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Carolina Panthers, 31-24, last Sunday and the most important reason why was their excellent efficiency in the Red Zone.

Not to beat a dead horse again, but we all know how horrible the Falcons were in the Red Zone in game one. Though the Falcons moved the ball very well against the Eagles, the Falcons only converted on one out five trips to the Red Zone…20 percent in Red Zone efficiency.

Sunday was a completely different story. The Falcons converted on all four of their red zone opportunities. What is even more impressive is that they did it against a very good Panthers defense.

So what worked on Sunday that didn’t work in Philly? First Opprotunity: Falcons took advantage of Man to Man coverage on Calvin Ridley for an 11-yard touchdown reception on a Slant route.

Second Opportunity: Sark sets the Falcons up well to use Austin Hooper for an end zone crossing route and he takes advantage of Man to Man coverage for a score.

Third Opportunity: Matt Ryan sneaks in for a score.

Fourth Opportunity: Matt Ryan runs in for a score when the opportunity presented itself.

Steve Sarkisian and Matt Ryan got their fair share of criticism for the offense’s Week 1 performance and most of it was warranted.

But let’s give credit where credit is due…In a game  the Falcons absolutely had to win, with two Pro Bowlers down on defense, the Falcons offense showed up in a big way.

Sarkisian set the offense up well putting his receivers in positions to get open and when opportunities weren’t there, Matt Ryan took matters into his own hands to get the Falcons in the End Zone.

The offense can certainly build upon this performance this next week. Coming into town are the hated New Orleans Saints. If you haven’t been paying attention to their first two weeks, their defense has not been great to start.

Ryan Fitzpatrick lit them up for over 400 yards and 4 Touchdowns and they were a Tyrod Taylor comeback away from losing to the Browns.

The Falcons fixed their red zone problems from Week 1 against a good defense and with the Saints coming into town with a subpar defensive showing the past two weeks, the Falcons may be in for another offensive explosion this Sunday.