Los Angeles Rams

Atlanta Falcons: 5 reasons why they beat up the Los Angeles Rams

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

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The Atlanta Falcons dominated the Los Angeles Rams from the get-go yesterday. Let’s take a look at why they were so successful.

This game was over as soon as it began.

Just ten seconds into yesterday’s contest, the Atlanta Falcons already held a 7-0 lead. This of course was thanks to a highly embarrassing fumble on the opening kickoff by Los Angeles. From that point on, the Falcons pummeled their opponent like they were owed money.

All jokes aside, this was a much needed victory for Atlanta. After dropping a dud last week against the Chiefs, it was nice to see a strong response. The Rams are by no means a good team, but winning games in the NFL is not easy, no matter who the opponent is.

It’s easy to write positive things after such a lopsided affair, but there was still some negatives we should touch on lightly. The running game was relatively mediocre. Devonta Freeman only averaged one yard per carry and even though Tevin Coleman scored, he wasn’t much better. Going forward, the run game needs to be successful for the Falcons to win in the postseason.

As a whole, this game was great for Atlanta. They went on the road, took care of business and there were no major injuries. The next step is to build on this and apply it to games on the horizon. If the Falcons play with this sort of intensity and poise in the last three games, they will win their division with relative ease.

With that said, let us soar on through to our weekly slideshow and explain why this game was so one-sided.

#5. The Rams are bad, real bad

Let’s just be honest for a second, the Rams are not a horrible football team.

Like I said before, I don’t want to take away from the Falcons glowing performance, but come on, it was against that team. A team who just fired it’s head coach, Jeff Fisher, as I am in the midst of writing. Los Angeles has been a struggling franchise for several weeks and seemingly hit rock-bottom yesterday at home.

Coming in, Atlanta averaged 32.2 points per game to the Rams15. Just by looking at that stat, we kind of had an idea of how this game would play out. The Falcons came in, executed their game plan and used L.A.’s mistakes against them. But that’s what good teams do, they win the games they are supposed to win. Atlanta did that on Sunday and took another step towards the postseason.

#4. Receiving corps stepped up

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Williams (15) gets by Los Angeles Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) as he runs for a first down in the second half of the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

There’s typically much cause for concern when a team loses it’s top two receiving options. Thankfully for the Falcons on Sunday, this was not that case.

Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu sat and the Falcons still managed to hang 42 points on a decent defense. What that says to me as that the Falcons have legitimate depth and that they can score no matter who is running routes. Not to say I don’t want them to play without Julio for an extended period of time, but it is a nice luxury to have.

The patchwork receiving corps came away with 18 receptions for 237 and three scores. More than enough production to allow for good things to happen. Nick Williams, Aldrick Robinson and Justin Hardy played admirably and deserve some kudos for the victory on Sunday.

#3. Matt Ryan shines again

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates after throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Business as usual for “Matty Ice” on Sunday afternoon. Well, such has been the case throughout this whole season.

We have talked ad nauseam about how good the veteran signal caller has played this season. The game against L.A. was just another showcase of that stellar play. Further stating his MVP case, Ryan finished with a clean, 18-28 passing for 237 yards and three touchdowns.

The Falcons will only go as far as Matt Ryan can take them. By continuing to play smart and efficient, he has lead this offense to the top of the league. I could talk all day about how good he has been and why he deserves the MVP. I’ll continue to sit back and enjoy this while it lasts.

#2. Special Teams made plays

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Mike Thomas (13) fumbles the opening kick that was recovered by Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Paul Worrilow (55) who took it to the 5 yard line at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Last week in my weekly “5 reasons why..” article I said that a big reason why the Falcons lost to the Chiefs was due to their poor play on special teams. Atlanta must have read that article because they played infinitely better this week.

It all started with the fumble on the first play of the game recovered by Paul Worrilow. A bone-headed mistake by the Rams yes, but to have the heads-up to make the play is huge for this unit. I still have my gripes with Eric Weems returning kicks, but that can wait for a future piece.

Without the help of the special teams, the Falcons got it done yesterday. Now let’s all hope they can just start every game for the remainder of time the exact same way. Shouldn’t be that hard.

#1. Defensive Domination

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) scores on a 21-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

For all the offensive success this season, the defense for the Atlanta Falcons has been sort of tough to watch for the most part. That all changed Sunday afternoon.

The defense was utterly dominate in the victory over the Rams. Vic Beasley and Deion Jones both scored touchdowns off turnovers and wreaked a ton of havoc. The unit made life a living hell for Jared Goff all afternoon. Not that L.A. has a good offense or anything, but the play of Atlanta’s defense yesterday was definitely a sight for sore eyes.

All together, the Falcons defense combined for 6 QB hits, 3 sacks and 6 tackles for loss. They also forced a ludicrous 5 turnovers. If this defense can turn the corner and play like they did Sunday more frequently, this team could be scary for a very long time. Keep in mind this is a very young group of players that will continue to improve each week.

With an already elite offense, the Falcons could be the team for the foreseeable future with a solid defense. I now leave you with the best play from yesterday’s game, in my opinion. I can’t wait to see it played again while Vic Beasley accepts his Defensive Player of the Year award.

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