The Falcons came up big in the 4th quarter again on Sunday versus the Giants. Trailing 20-10 with the Giants driving, Kroy Bierman was able to come up with a game changing sack fumble. Matt Ryan marched the the length of the field to put Atlanta within 3 points. After forcing two punts, the Falcons got the ball back with just over three minutes to go. Once again Matt Ryan lived up to his “Matty Ice” nickname, leading Atlanta on a game winning scoring drive, that was capped off by a 1-yard Devonta Freeman TD run. It was a great way to get to 2-0, now let’s take a deeper look at some of the players individual performances.
The Good
Vic Beasley (+5.3)
Matt Ryan (+3.7)
Julio Jones (+3.3)
Nathan Stupar (+3.2)
Beasley was a monster on Sunday, leading all Falcon players in performance according to PFF. He recorded his first career sack in the second half, in which he also stripped Eli Manning, but the Giants came up with recovery. Aside from that, Beasley was putting pressure on Manning all game long. After being in “The Bad” section last week, the Falcons first round pick showed why he was drafted in the top 10. If Beasley keeps playing like this, the sacks will start to come in bunches.
Matt Ryan returned to form against New York. After an up and down performance in week 1, Ryan threw for 363 yard and a touchdown in week 2. It could have been a lot better too, considering two touchdowns got overturned and placed at the 1-yard line. He also notched another comeback win under his belt. There are not many guys better in the 4th quarter.
Jones is just scary. There is nothing really more I or anyone else can say about it. He had 13 receptions for 135 yards Sunday after his monster performance against Philadelphia in week 1. He was worth every penny of that $71.5 million dollar contract.
Nate Stupar was not even a guarantee to make the roster this offseason. He did and showed why on Sunday. In just 23 snaps, he made his presence felt and was all over the field making tackles. More performances like these will warrant him more playing time as the season goes on.
The Bad
Robert Alford (-2.7)
Ricardo Allen (-2.1)
Adrian Clayborn (-2.0)
There were a lot less bad performances in week 2. Alford had a miserable time trying to cover Odell Beckham Jr. in the first half of Sunday’s game. Beckham had a 67-yard touchdown on his way to over 130 yards in the first half. Dan Quinn and Richard Smith were able to make adjustments in the locker room, however, and Beckham only mustered 7 yards in the second half.
After all the praise Allen got last week, he struggled in week 2. This is Allen’s first time playing in the NFL, so these games are going to be expected. Allen will be ready to go against a Cowboys offense missing Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Clayborn also struggled on the defensive side of the ball. He had some success getting after Manning, but really struggled against the run.
Other Notables
Paul Soliai (+2.1)
Tyson Jackson (+2.2)
Ra’Shede Hageman (+1.4)
Jake Mathews (+2.1)
Chris Chester (+1.5)
Andy Levitre (+0.5)
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Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire