If the Atlanta Falcons are struggling, no one appears to be panicking over the situation. The Falcons have been struggling to put points on the board, managing just 10 points against the Tennessee Titans. Wide receiver Roddy White and Matt Ryan both said that right now the team is in a funk offensively and needs to find their rhythm once again. While no one is ready to hit the panic button over the situation, White is confident that when things turn around the Falcons will be unstoppable.
While Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman continue to thrive on the field, touchdowns have been sparse resulting in a loss to the New Orleans Saints and a scare against the Titans. Mistakes and inconsistencies have been plaguing the unit, but White is convinced that they can get things sorted out quickly. After Ryan shouldered the blame for the team's recent struggles, White stuck up for his quarterback.
"That's what he's supposed to do because that's what great quarterbacks do," White said, via ESPN.com. "It's a new system and we're all trying to figure it out and grasp what everybody needs to be doing. We will play better, as a whole. We're 6-1 and we feel like we are a long way away from where we want to be. When we get there, watch out."
Injuries are becoming an issue for the Falcons. Already Leonard Hankerson has been ruled out for Week 8 play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his place, Justin Hardy is expected to see his first bit of NFL action. The receiver who drafted in the fourth round had plenty of hype around him in the preseason, but the rise of Nick Williams and Hankerson has forced him to be a healthy scratch. Now Hardy will get a chance to shine in Week 8. Ryan told the media that the rookie has made great strides over the past few weeks.
"I think he's a guy who has improved," Ryan said, via 680 The Fan. "Obviously, we'll see where [Hankerson] is at in term of getting healthy. But at some point this season, I really believe Justin's going to make an impact for our football team. And I'm excited about that. I look forward to what he can bring for us on the offensive side of the ball."
Williams has emerged as a potential fantasy sleeper. The receiver had three catches for 43 yards against the Titans as he earns Ryan's trust. He will be the No.3 receiver with Hankerson out with a hamstring injury. Along with Williams, Jacob Tamme is preparing to make a big impact against the Buccaneers on Sunday.
