Rookie QB Matt Ryan threw a TD with his first NFL pass and the route was on.  Michael Turner set a franchise single-game rushing record, with 220 yards and scored 2 TDs.  Jerious Norwood added 93 yards and TD.

The Good

The offensive line opened huge holes for Norwood and Turner and allowed Ryan plenty of time to look down field and find his receivers (allowed 1 sack).  Ryan looked good but still showed signs of inexperience, forcing some throws into coverage.  But overall, he looked poised and managed the game very well.  If Turner and Norwood can continue to put up yards like they did today, then Ryan won’t be asked to win many games this year.  And that’s a good thing.

The Bad

As I mentioned above, Ryan still made some poor decisions, but that should improve with more reps.  The Falcons still had too many penalties (7 for 68 yards) and most were stupid penalties.

The Ugly

Pass coverage.  John Kitna was 24/33 for 262 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT.  John Kitna.  The Lions had receivers wide open all game long and the only time the Falcons got any significant pressure on Kitna was late in the game, when the Lions had basically stopped running the ball.  The Falcons need to work on improving their pass rush and their coverage in the secondary.  They’ve still got Delhomme (twice), McNabb, Brees (twice) and Rivers, all of whom could torch the Falcons secondary if they don’t improve.

Interesting Stat

Attendance was 62,310.  Not a full house, but a good start, considering the bad taste left in most Atlantan’s mouth after the Michael Vick/Bobby Petrino mess of last season.

Overall it was a good job by Falcons.  Their offensive line played well enough to allow the running game to flourish and that took the pressure off Ryan.  As long as they can continue to play like they did today, then Ryan has a real opportunity to develop into the franchise QB the Falcons badly need.

Post from: Sunday Football Fever

Falcons Whip Lions