Ryan, Brady Meet In New England

NFL News - September 22nd, 2009 - Written by John

Falcons at Patriots -- New England struggled last week against the Jets, but their reputation precedes them. Despite hosting on of the best teams in the NFL over the last year-and-a-half, Atlanta comes into Foxboro as underdogs Sunday with hopes at improving to 3-0. The Falcons are -- since the end of 2007 and are one of the few teams taking their first road trip of the '09 season this week. As of Tuesday, BetUS is giving them four points over the bumbling Patriots in what could be one of the best game's of the day. The over/under for the game is at 44.

The perennial AFC East power has had a rocky start to the season thus far, needing a miracle fumble recovery and two touchdowns in the last three minutes to beat the Bills in the opener. Then they were called out by the Jets, who said they would embarrass their rivals at home. It wasn't exactly embarrassing but New York was able to keep the Patriots to only nine points and concerns about Tom Brady's effectiveness predictably followed.

He was out of sync without slot receiver Wes Welker in the line-up. His back-up, Julian Edelman, was serviceable but showed inferior hands and elusiveness late in the game. Without his loyal check-down, Brady was forced to throw the ball down-field into coverage and was far less accurate than in previous years. The Jets defense blanketed Randy Moss, and Brady was only able to get four passes his way.

Meanwhile, nobody has questioned sophomore Matt Ryan, who is picking right back up where he left off with two quality starts and the Falcons are 2-0 for the first time since 2006. Michael Turner finally got back on track last week, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers. Their defense was able to hold strong when Carolina made a late run in the fourth quarter, picking off Jake Delhomme inside the 10-yard line, then knocking away a hail mary as time expired.

The Falcons will be without first-round pick Peria Jerry for the season, however, after he injured his knee against the Panthers.

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