Atlanta Falcons Week 10 Recap and Grades

The Falcons had a short week to prepare for their Thursday night tilt with the Baltimore Ravens. Both teams came into the game with a 6-2 record and trying to establish themselves as the better teams in their respective conferences. This was a key game for the Falcons as a win here would put us in a great spot to get home field advantage if we continue to win at home.

Quarterback: A+

• Matt Ryan played one of the best games of his young career against one of the better defenses in the NFL. Ryan completed 32/50 for 316 yards and 3 scores without turning the ball over. The Falcons were lethal on 3rd down converting 12/20 allowing the offense to chew up the clock. 

Running Backs: C

• Michael Turner didn't really do much but the Ravens are extremely stout against the run. This team is only going to be as successful as Michael Turner. While it is nice that Ryan threw for 300 yards the Falcons are at their best when Turner is rumbling for 100+. Jason Snelling had a HUGE receiving TD that got the ball rolling for the Falcons.

Wide Receivers: A

• The only reason this is not an A+ is because of the pass Roddy White dropped on 3rd and 4 the drive before the Ravens came down and took the lead. If he catches that pass the game is basically over right there. However, Roddy White is a freaking beast! I honestly would not take another receiver in the league right now.

Defense: B+

• The defense was fantastic for basically the entire game but a 4 minute stretch where the Ravens scored 2 TD's. If our defense continues to play this well then we are going to win a lot of games. We recorded 2 sacks and had 2 turnovers. Could you imagine how good Brent Grimes might be if he were 3-4 inches taller? He is almost always in the right spot but struggles with more physical receivers as he just can't hang. All in all I was very pleased with the defense and like how they are improving every week.

Deion Sanders: A+

• The greatest cover corner of all time had his jersey raised in the GA Dome. Deion is the epitome of someone who backed up his talk. If he told you he was going to shut you down, he did. You got guys like Ochocinco nowadays who talk and talk and talk and deliver about half the time. Deion was a baller. I cannot fathom how the Falcons didn't offer him a contract when he was a FA. He calls Atlanta home and would have stayed had they opened their wallets. "I wouldn't have been Prime, if you guys didn't give me the time."