NFL Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan Will Be X-Factor For Atlanta Falcons In Week 8

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By @adamdclifton

Getty Images

Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons have limped to a 2-5 start so far this season. Most of the responsibility for the poor start should fall on the shoulders of the defense. The defense is ranked 27th in opponent rushing yards, allowing nearly 140 yards a game on the ground. Through the air, the defense has not been much better, ranking 29th in the NFL. Despite the terrible defensive statistics, people are quick to point the finger at Matt Ryan for the Falcons’ poor start.

The Falcons could have expected the defensive struggles this season, but nobody could have expected this explosive offense to struggle this badly. The Falcons boast a plethora of offensive weapons, including Julio Jones, Roddy White, Devin Hester and Steven Jackson. Despite numerous attacking options, the Falcons have scored a combined 30 points in the past three games, all of which were losses. The Falcons are 0-4 on the road this season, and their longest trip of the season is this Sunday.

The Falcons will travel to London to take on a stout Detroit Lions defense. The Lions have started the season 5,-2 and their defense has stolen the show. The Lions are ranked seventh in the league in opponent passing yards allowed and second in opponent rushing yards allowed. The Falcons will need to have a breakout performance against one of the best defenses in the league to have any chance of leaving England with a victory.

Ryan is the key component to the Atlanta offense. When you sign a player to a contract worth over $100 million, it is fair to expect this player to be the face of the franchise. Unfortunately, a player with such a high price tag cannot play multiple positions. Ryan can do everything in his power, but he cannot fix the offensive or defensive line for the Falcons.

However, if Ryan can utilize all of his weapons, the Falcons have a chance to win this matchup. Fans have seen the potential of the Falcons’ offense this season when the team exploded for 56 points against the weak defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The key to success for the Falcons will be to utilize all of their weapons. Teams have adjusted to the scheme of the Falcons this season, typically double-teaming Jones in order to take away Ryan’s favorite weapon. Unfortunately for Atlanta, they have struggled to find a consistent replacement for Tony Gonzalez at tight end, and current starter Levine Toilolo is leads the NFL in dropped passes.

This situation has eliminated two of Ryan’s favorite weapons. In order to win this game, Ryan must be able to utilize Hester, White and Jackson out of the backfield.

In order to win this game, Ryan will likely need to throw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns. This is far from impossible, and the key will be whether or not he will have enough time in the pocket to make accurate throws. Ryan has the keys to the sports car, but can he drive it at top speed against the Lions?

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