You don’t get to 6-0 without having some close calls in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons are off to their best start in franchise history, but have shown that they are capable of winning football games through different means.
Entering the season, the talk of the Falcons surrounded their offense, and the potential for the potent passing game with receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones anchoring the receiving corps. And for the majority of the season, Atlanta has been able to rely heavily on that duo, as well as the other pieces including Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner, Harry Douglas, and of course quarterback Matt Ryan.
But on a day when the offense was not clicking, it was the defense that took control and ultimately helped the Falcons overcome the sluggish offense just enough for a 23-20 victory at home against the Oakland Raiders.
Ryan threw three interceptions in the first half against Oakland, but it was an interception by Atlanta’s Asante Samuel returned for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter that gave the Falcons the lead 20-13. It was a score that proved pivotal, because the Raiders were able to tie the game up at 20-20 with just 40 seconds remaining.
The defense came up with the big plays, and now it was the offense’s turn to get it done.
And they responded with a series of methodical bench routes, driving down the field to get in range of place kicker Matt Bryant, who knocked through a 55-yard game-winner.
It was by far the biggest struggle that the Falcons had on offense this season, but this team showed that they were capable of being carried by some big plays on the defensive side of the ball.
Now, Atlanta sits a 6-0 and in firm control of the NFC South division going into their Bye Week. It is a much-deserved week of rest before traveling up north to Philadelphia in Week 8 of the NFL season.
How the Falcons will come ou of the Bye week we can’t say for sure, but Atlanta has proven that they do not need Ryan and the offense to light up defense to win games. They can win games, and win games ugly if they need too.
The one thing that is looking promising for the Falcons, is that if they continue to play well and win games, home field throughout the NFC playoffs could be going through the Georgia Dome.