The Atlanta Falcons have an very important road game coming up on October 2nd against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks aren’t pushovers and had recently won a divisional game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Matt Ryan is still receiving kudos from his four touchdown performance against the Philadelphia Eagles at home on September 18th. However, in that game, Ryan struggled completing passes at times. However, Ryan was fortunate that Eagles’ turnovers had led to short-field opportunities.
Against Philadelphia, before Michael Vick left due to an injury, Ryan was being knocked around and harassed by the Eagles’ pass rush. The Falcons did win the game after trailing 31-21 in the fourth quarter, but Ryan was hit several times and got roughed up prior to Vick’s exit.
This trend continued against Tampa Bay. Thus far, Ryan has been sacked 13 times this season and hit more times by defenders over the past three weeks than at any point during his Falcons’ career.
Ryan is now recovering from a knee injury and is likely to start against Seattle.
Last season, Ryan was sacked only 23 times. So after only three games, the fourth-year quarterback’s 2011 sack totals are beginning to pile up.
The Falcons need to protect Ryan better, but it really starts with running the ball better with All-Pro running back Michael Turner.
There had been some pressure during the offseason about the lack of explosive passing plays despite the Falcons being among the league leaders in time of possession and rushing.
Julio Jones is a big target and an immense talent along with veteran Roddy White, but right now Matt Ryan’s health is paramount.
Mike Smith went away from establishing the running game after falling behind in a 16-13 loss to the Buccaneers. Turner rushed for 20 yards and was non-existent in the second half, only garnering four carries.
The Falcons need to give the ball to Michael Turner early and often and take their chances.