Ok, so we're 1-2......against two teams that were division champs and a team that should have been in the playoffs (Tampa). The offense is still gelling  (The team has apparently made a commitment to more pass plays than running to get Julio Jones in-sync with the offense since the lockout killed most of the his off-season and learning curve), The defense is getting healthier and better (the defense has at least one takeaway in 22 games straight), The o-line is learning (experience is a good teacher), and it's not as bad as we think....it's early in the season. Smile!

Now that I've got the excuses out of the way, I will give you my analysis of not just the game but the falcons in general. 

As of right now we aren't a championship team, but we can be. 

Let's start with the o-line: Let it be known now and forever that this line always had flaws.  When they drafted Sam Baker in 2008 he didn't even play most of the year and Todd Weiner played LT. So most of the holes Turner had and sacks Ryan didn't receive that year had to be attributed to Todd's presence.   And let's get one thing straight...it's a hard job blocking elite level pass rushers, but I don't know if this is the way to do it.  I honestly don't know what the FO sees in him but I gather it's whatever they see in Reynolds to let go of Dahl. 

Running Backs: Turner, Snelling, and Quizz are trying their best to find holes, but I really wish Snelling and quiz were more involved in the passing game. All the talk about Turner not being the Turner of old is rubbish, one cause he's always has been a downhill runner who needs holes, two because the line isn't the line of old.

QB: Matt has to get the ball out of his hands quicker.  If there's no one open and he has to take sacks, there's something wrong with the routes.

The offense has to collect 1st and 10s by whatever means necessary.  If that means throwing the ball down field (like everyone on here has mentioned) or dinking and dunking their way to a first down. The main way the downfield passing will work is if they use the run to set up the pass....(and not abandon it!).

Defensive Line: I honestly have no qualms with the D-line except for the fact that the side Abraham is not on is not matching his production not producing sacks.  I guess 30 mil Ray Edwards is still getting his sea legs back from off-season surgery, but the excuses were before the jump.  Once or if Babs gets back the d-line will be fine.

Linebackers:  I've said this before but they have to make plays besides tackling.  They are great in run support but I want to see more forced turnovers and sacks.

Secondary: I honestly don't know whether to blame them for WRs being wide out or the scheme.  It's hard to tell if you're not at the game but at least this past Sunday they only allowed 180 yards passing. I see that they're comfortable allowing Dunta to man up and Brent Grimes to zone up and I think it's working. Tackling is a major concern on those two.  If the safeties miss a tackle it's a touchdown.

The defense has to get turnovers to give the offense more opportunities to score because schematically we're not a defense that teams fear.

Conclusion:  It's games like the one Sunday makes me wonder what is being taught as far as having a sense of urgency on both sides of the ball.  I wonder if guys think just because they had a 13-3 season that they can turn it on and off when they get ready.  I hope the falcons are not beating a dead horse with their play calling hoping it would work on a consistent basis by some otherworldly feat, otherwise we're screwed.  I digress, the falcons can win a championship now by growing a brain and score touchdowns and sack the QB. Simple? Yeah, it sure is simple saying it.