If the Atlanta Falcons are going to reach their goal of a berth to the Super Bowl, they first need to win a game. Coming off an opening-weekend loss to the New Orleans Saints on the road, the team is in search of their first victory. The Falcons face the St. Louis Rams at home in the Georgia Dome, a place where they are nearly unstoppable.
The Rams have not started the season 2-0 since the year they won the NFC Championship in 2001. After defeating the Arizona Cardinals last week, the team sees it as a real possibility. The biggest difference with the team this year is their ability to pass protect. The Rams gave up 35 sacks last season, but after acquiring Jake Long in the offseason, they did not give up a single one to the Cardinals. That is a big difference from the Falcons, which could determine the outcome of Sunday's game.
The Falcons allowed three sacks on Matt Ryan against the Saints. The quarterback as constantly pressured. Promising drive ended with either a 10-yard sack or Ryan having to throw the ball away. He was hit on six occasions. The offensive line continues to be the biggest concern for the team. Lamar Holmes is expected to step up, while Sam Baker and Justin Blalock are the lone veterans along with Peter Konz.
The game on Sunday also represents running back Steven Jackson reuniting with his former team. Jackson rushed for 10,138 yards in nine seasons with the Rams before signing with the Falcons in the offseason. In his debut with Atlanta on Sunday, he put up 77 yards on 11 rushes along with catching five passes for 45 yards.
The Falcons have not started the season 0-2 since 2007. They also do not have back-to-back losses since Mike Smith became head coach. They look to avoid breaking the streak.
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