Falcons vs. Raiders 2016: Snap Counts and Raining Touchdowns

Despite beating the off-season darlings of the AFC, the Falcons still have a lot to improve upon heading into week three. Let's take a look at some snap counts and how the team did last week.

Offense

Chris Chester G: 64 (100%)
Jake Matthews T: 64 
Ryan Schraeder T: 64 
Andy Levitre G: 64 
Matt Ryan QB: 64 
Alex Mack C: 64 
Julio Jones WR: 49 
Mohamed Sanu WR: 46 
Jacob Tamme TE: 44 
Levine Toilolo TE: 36
Devonta Freeman RB: 34 
Tevin Coleman RB: 30 
Patrick DiMarco FB: 23 
Austin Hooper TE: 20
Aldrick Robinson WR: 16 
Justin Hardy WR: 13
Taylor Gabriel WR: 9

For the first week in what feels like years, the offense performed like it's capable of. Outside a bad throw that led to an interception, the red zone was not an area of concern for Matt Ryan. The offensive line held up nicely after a shaky first series, and allowed Ryan and the run game to carve the Raiders' defense. Seeing them hold up against a talented Raiders' pass rush is promising.

Tevin Coleman continues to be a factor in the passing game, and even ran for a touchdown this week. As for Freeman, he looked much better after a forgetful game last Sunday. Their success on the ground is essential for Shanahan's passing attack.

Tight ends Jacob Tamme and Austin Hooper were very productive, snagging 159 yards out of Ryan's 396. Their big play ability pushed the offense over the top, and kept Oakland on their toes.

Defense

Ricardo Allen SS: 75 (100%)
Robert Alford CB: 74 
Deion Jones LB: 74 
Desmond Trufant CB: 73 
Kemal Ishmael FS: 73 
Sean Weatherspoon LB: 72 
Brian Poole CB: 49 
Derrick Shelby DT: 47 
Jonathan Babineaux DT: 39 
Adrian Clayborn DE: 39 
Vic Beasley LB: 36 
Grady Jarrett DT: 35 
Tyson Jackson DE: 35 
Dwight Freeney DE: 31 
Philip Wheeler LB: 24 
Ra'Shede Hageman DT: 23 
Courtney Upshaw DT: 19 
C.J. Goodwin CB: 3 
Dashon Goldson FS: 3 
Paul Worrilow LB: 1

As far as points are concerned, the defense did well enough to win the game, but it was another bumpy ride for Dan Quinn's unit. The team allowed nearly 300 yards through the air and over 150 on the ground. For a team that's been above average at defending the run in recent years, that's a little concerning. Though, they did well at shutting it out in the first week. It should look better against a Saints' run game on Monday Night Football.

Kemal Ishmael is carving out a regular spot on this defense with his extraordinary play the past two games. His 15 tackles last week was a team high -- making it hard to deny his impact. Going forward, Quinn should find a way to work him into some nickel packages once Keanu returns.

The pass rush must find itself soon. Going into a stretch where Atlanta will be facing off against Quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Cam Newton, Russel Wilson, Phillip Rivers, and Aaron Rodgers, it could start looking real ugly. After two weeks, the team is on pace to finish the season with eight sacks. Yeah.

Special Teams

Paul Worrilow: 25
C.J. Goodwin: 24
Robensen Therezie: 21
Eric Weems: 20
Austin Hooper: 19
LaRoy Reynolds: 19
Brian Poole: 18
Matt Bosher: 15
Aldrick Robinson: 10
Dashon Goldson: 10
Tom Compton: 9
Ben Garland: 9
Derrick Shelby: 9
Taylor Gabriel: 9
Patrick DiMarco: 8
Justin Hardy: 8
Josh Harris: 8
Sean Weatherspoon: 6
Robert Alford: 6
Chris Chester: 5
Jake Matthews: 5
Ryan Schraeder: 5
Andy Levitre: 5
Levine Toilolo: 5
Jonathan Babineaux: 5
Grady Jarrett: 5
Tyson Jackson: 5
Courtney Upshaw: 5
Matt Bryant: 5
Deion Jones: 3
Ra'Shede Hageman: 1
Desmond Trufant: 1
Ricardo Allen: 1
Jacob Tamme: 1
Mohamed Sanu: 1

Just as I was talking about how the team should mix it up at punt returner, Eric Weems shows the fan base why he's one of the best special team contributors in the entire league. A 2nd-quarter return to the Oakland 9 yard-line gave the Falcons a chance to build upon their lead before the half. As for Matt Bryant and the rest of the crew, you can't ask for much more. Salute to special teams this week.

Thoughts on this weeks win and counts?