Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons: 5 reasons why the Falcons can go on a winning streak

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Ryan and the offense carried the team to a win in yet another shootout, on the road no less. How were the Falcons able to come away with the upset against such an upgraded team?

On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons got a key win against an improved Oakland Raiders’ team.

Coming into the match-up, Oakland was viewed as the favorite. The Falcons, on the other hand, were trying to rebound from a devastating loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After the loss to Tampa Bay, questions began forming about the run game and whether the team was able to properly use Julio Jones.

While Atlanta did have a slow start against Oakland, the Falcons were able to heat up in the second half. The team went onto to have several long, scoring drives. There are still some facets of the game that need polishing, but we were shown more promise from

However, even though the Falcons defeated the Raiders, there are still some facets of the team’s game that need polishing. That said, Atlanta showed an improved offense.

If the Falcons want to continue to win, here are five things the team must do to keep winning.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5: Run Game Efficiency

Last week, Atlanta managed to gain 42 rushing yards (2.2 YPC) against Tampa Bay’s 11th ranked run defense. In that game, Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman struggled to find open holes. This left the Falcons offense one dimensional.

This week, Atlanta’s star rushers ran for 139 yards and a much improved 4.8 yards per carry.

Most of the praise should be given to the Falcons offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan. The Falcons offense played to their strengths by using their talented running backs, receivers, and quarterback.

Formationally, the Falcons had a lot of success against the Raiders. When pounding the ball up the middle, Atlanta used more three-WR sets with a fullback. These sets were critical in spreading out the box and left more responsibility for Oakland’s Mike and Will linebackers. The Raiders were tasked to take down one of the most elusive backs in the NFL.

Luckily for the Falcons, the Mike and Will linebacker positions are arguably the two weakest positions on the Oakland defense.

Also, more designed cutback and stretch plays were key to big rush totals and for opening up roll-outs on play action for Matt Ryan.

One key tool for a good run game efficiency was the right tackle, Ryan Schraeder. He was matched up against All-Pro linbacker, Khalil Mack. Many thought Schraeder would struggle against Mack, but for the most part, he performed very well.

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No. 4: Exposing Key Weaknesses in the Pass Defense

During Oakland’s previous game, cornerback Sean Smith was burned on a vertical route for a 98 yard TD by Brandin Cooks. This exposed Smith’s weakness against speed. Unfortunately for him, Julio Jones lined up on his side a few times during the game.

One of Jones’ receptions against Smith included a 21 yard TD, off a slant, during press coverage. Even putting Jones in the slot to line up against newly acquired CB, David Amerson, exposed a size and physicality difference. Yes, I know Julio is a cheat code against most cornerbacks in the league.

Ben Heeney, Oakland’s middle linebacker, was left on the short end of the stick many times in coverage. Exposed by Tevin Coleman on 24 yard slant route and 34 yard catch by TE Austin Hooper, Heeney just couldn’t catch a break. Atlanta took advantage of Oakland’s poor coverage against the seam routes as both Mohamed Sanu, Jacob Tamme, and Austin Hooper found success in this department.

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No. 3: O-Line Play

During the Falcons’ home opener, Matt Ryan was sacked 3 times. Against Oakland, the offensive line surrendered just one sack by a safety on a designed blitz.

This is even more impressive when one remembers that Oakland has Bruce Irvin, a superior athlete at the position, and Khalil Mack, the two-time All-Pro.

Falcons right tackle, Ryan Schraeder, held his own against Mack the entire night by only allowing a few pressures. Like last game, center Alex Mack had another strong day against the run showing glimpses of his former 2014 self. Although not known for his pass rushing, Dan Williams put little pressure up the middle with strong anchorage from the IOL.

Like mentioned before, the offensive line played a major role in strong run efficiency. Raiders’ defensive line struggle getting across well performed down blocks designed for cutbacks which were a big part of the run game. Hopefully, this is a sign to come of consistent clean pockets for Matt Ryan.

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2. No-Huddle, Up Tempo Offense

The no-huddle and up tempo offense was the key to Atlanta’s success on each of their touchdown series.

Oakland found no solution or audible to help them. The players often found themselves not on the same page. The Falcons were able to isolate expose key match-ups including the Jones vs Sean Smith touchdown slant.

Atlanta’s tight ends received a great deal of focus in this up-tempo offense. Combined, during this period, the tight ends caught six balls for 129 yards (21.9 YPC). These two tight end sets with Hooper and Tamme were very potent for the passing game.

During the up-tempo and no huddle offense, Sean Smith’s right side was targeted the most with the likes of Julio Jones, Austin Hooper, and Aldrick Robinson. This was a great isolation method and recognition by Matt Ryan to target this side of the field. Look for more of these situations in upcoming games.

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No. 1: Dominating Special Teams

Special Teams were the best unit on the field for the Falcons on Sunday. Oakland started drives within their 20 five times due to Matt Bosher’s incredible punting, a muffed catch and great special teams pursuit and tackling. Matt Bryant was 2/2 on the day with field goals from distances of 20 and 21. Also, he made all three extra points which have become less successful due to recent changes in there distance. Matt Bryant is now 5/5 on the year for field goals.

Last but not least, Eric Weems momentum enhancing punt return of 73 yards led to a field goal right before the end of the half. Weems finished the day with an average of 37 yards per return. Special Teams crucial for momentum swings within the game.