3-0 #ATL

by: Aryan Javan

It did not look good at the beginning, but the Atlanta Falcons came from behind for the second straight week to top the Dallas Cowboys! The Falcons trailed going into the fourth quarter for the second straight Sunday but managed another victory on the road.

Atlanta got steamrolled early, by the top-rated Cowboys offensive line. Joseph Randle was running wild in the first half and gave the Cowboys a quick 14-0 lead. Atlanta, who trailed the entire first half, was able to linger around with two Devonta Freeman touchdowns and a late-first-half field goal by Matt Bryant. Darren McFadden and Randle were able to find the end zone as well to extend the lead to 28-17. The defense did not look the part as they did in previous games, but they settled down and looked fantastic in the second half! They did what they have done so far all year, swarm to the ball.

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones went unconscious in the last 30 minutes of action. The two were in sync like no other as Jones hauled in 12 receptions, 164-yards, two-touchdowns. The crazy thing was he was not the best Falcon out there today. NFL sophomore, Devonta Freeman, had an absolute field day! He finished with a final stateline of 30 carries for 141 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, and five receptions for 52 yards. The dynamic young running back out of Florida State stepped up to the challenge Sunday with his backfield mate, Tevin Coleman (ribs), being out. He looked incredible! Running in between tackles, bouncing to the outside and even catching the ball. Freeman single handedly changed the momentum of this game.

The defense was able to cement the Cowboys offense in the second half. Stop after stop, Cowboys backup quarterback, Brandon Weeden, could not get anything going. An ill-advised pass from Weeden at the beginning of the third quarter gave Atlanta the ball with a short field. Matt Ryan and the Falcons were able to capitalize and cut into the lead 25-28.

This is a Dallas team that is riddled with injuries and they came out strong at the beginning of this game. But Atlanta just wore them down and stuck to the X's and O's of their game. Another great win for the Falcons as they move to 3-0 against the NFC East and 3-0 overall. Atlanta may have a chance to go 5-0 with their next two games at home against opponents with an under .500 record.

The Falcons will host the Houston Texans (1-2) next Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m.

FALCONS 2-0?!?1

by: Aryan Javan

Yes Falcons fans, we are 2-0!

After knocking off the Philadelphia Eagles at home and the New York Giants on the road, the Falcons have improved to their first 2-0 start since 2012. The 2012 season was also the last time the birds made the playoffs (I still hate the 49ers for that by the way).

The most surprising part about this 2-0 start is the Falcons actually look good. Not perfect, but good. The offense finally looks like it has an identity again, led by franchise quarterback Matt Ryan and superstar in the making, Julio Jones. In addition to the skill positions, it looks like we may finally have a stable offensive line (if we can stay healthy). The emergence of rookie running back, Tevin Coleman (who will be out for a couple games with a rib injury), and second-year man, Devonta Freeman, have also finally given Atlanta a running game. The Falcons have been at the bottom of the league in terms of rushing stats for the past two seasons.

The defensive side of the ball has resembled the old Falcons at times during the first two games. But there is something new about them. Something fresh. They swarm to the ball much like that 2012 team that almost went to the Super Bowl (I still hate the 49ers, did I say that already?). We even have been able to force some turnovers. In the Giants game, the defense stood tough in some pivotal moments to get vital stops that our offense needed. The Eagles game we made Sam Bradford uncomfortable in the pocket. Yes, we still got shredded in the secondary, but the point is we got the stops when needed. Which is way different then the Falcons defense from the past two seasons. Bottomline is there is hope.

Head Coach Dan Quinn has already implemented his touch physical brand of football on our Atlanta squad. The emergence of the running game and the new found physicality in the trenches (on both sides of the ball) can directly correlate to the former Seahawks defensive coordinator. He has brought a championship culture and a different vibe to our Atlanta franchise.

The Falcons next opponent is the 2-0 Dallas Cowboys, Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

The Cowboys look to keep their season afloat as they prepare to go without their star quarterback, Tony Romo, who was injured last Sunday in Philly. He will be out with a collarbone injury for multiple weeks, along side star wide receiver, Dez Bryant (foot), and maybe even tight end, Jason Witten (knee/ankle). If the Falcons can get a victory in Dallas that means they will advance to 3-0 against the NFC East opponents (one of the NFL's tougher divisions).