Sunday, September 14, 2014

Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati

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One of the most impressive teams from the opening week of the National Football League season was the Atlanta Falcons from the National Football Conference South division. The Falcons won a back-and-forth affair with their divisional rival from New Orleans, 37-34. Another team that was impressive in their season opener was the Cincinnati Bengals from the American Football Conference North division. The Bengals squeaked past their rivals from Baltimore, 23-16.

The Falcons saw a franchise-record setting performance from Matty Ice, Matt Ryan. Ryan threw for 448 yards, which set the team record, along with 3 touchdowns. Ryan was only sacked 1 time by the Saints, which was a huge positive considering all the questions surrounding their offensive line a year ago. In their rushing attack, Steven Jackson didn’t have a massive game, but did carry the ball 12 times for 52 yards. When you look at the roster of Atlanta players, one of the first things that stick out is the talented group of wide receivers led by Julio Jones (7 receptions, 116 yards), Devin Hester (5 receptions, 99 yards), Roddy White (5 receptions, 72 yards, touchdown), and Harry Douglas (6 receptions, 69 yards).

The Bengals have one of the best front seven defensively in the sport today and will pose a major test to the Falcons in week 2. On the offensive side of the ball, the Bengals will be led by their star quarterback, Andy Dalton, who cashed in for a 6-year, $96 million contract in the offseason. Dalton threw for 301 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The team struggled to get their rushing game going, as Giovani Bernard ran for just 48 yards on 14 touches. While Bernard couldn’t find consistency on the ground, he did add 6 receptions with 62 yards and A.J. Green added 6 receptions of his own with 131 yards and a score.

Injuries to Watch

Atlanta Falcons

09/07/14 T Jake Matthews Ankle injured last game, questionable Sunday vs. Cincinnati
09/04/14 OT Sam Baker Knee IR
09/04/14 OT Mike Johnson Foot IR
09/04/14 S Zeke Motta Neck PUP
09/04/14 WR Drew Davis Foot PUP
09/04/14 LB Marquis Spruill Knee IR
09/04/14 LB Sean Weatherspoon Achilles IR

Cincinnati Bengals

09/08/14 TE Tyler Eifert Elbow out indefinitely
09/07/14 CB Darqueze Dennard Hip questionable Sunday vs. Atlanta
09/07/14 WR James Wright Concussion questionable Sunday vs. Atlanta
09/07/14 LB Sean Porter Hamstring questionable Sunday vs. Atlanta
09/07/14 LB Vontaze Burfict Concussion injured last game, questionable Sunday vs. Atlanta
09/04/14 WR Marvin Jones Foot out indefinitely
09/04/14 RB Rex Burkhead Knee out indefinitely

Guy's Pick: Take Atlanta

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