Underdog Falcons Make Cross-Country Trip To San Fran

NFL News - October 8th, 2009 - Written by John

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons are back on the field after a Week Four bye. But, boy, would they like to skip this week instead. After going on the road to one of the toughest places to visit in New England, the Falcons head to San Francisco to face a team that was a pinky toe away from being 4-0.

Greg Lewis' last second catch in the end zone gave the Vikings a thrilling win over the Niners two weeks ago, sucking the wind out of a franchise that appears to have revived itself. They went on a rampage the very next week, taking it out on the lowly Rams with a 35-0 blowout, scoring on offense, defense, and special teams for the first time since 1997. Vernon Davis caught his tight end-leading third touchdown in the route and Shaun Hill has thrown five touchdowns to one pick despite being manhandled in the pocket.

The San Francisco 49ers have the second-smallest edge of the week and the NFL Betting Lines reflect that. According to BetUS, San Fran is giving up a mere 2 1/2 points to the Falcons. Both teams have allowed exactly 53 points so far (although Atlanta has played one less game), but the difference is San Francisco has scored nearly 50 more than the Falcons.

The Niners offensive line has struggled, allowing 13 sacks, which ranks second-most in the league. It is a vast difference from the Falcons, who have only surrendered two sacks. The comfort in the pocket has allowed Ryan to continue his growth in the league after winning Rookie of the Year. Atlanta had started the year as one of the NFL's premier teams, starting 2-0 and showing no signs of slump after making the playoffs in '08. Ryan has a rating of 100.4 with five touchdowns and one interception.

But they were brought back down to earth in Week Three, when they were lulled to death by four New England field goals. Michael Turner couldn't get he run game going for the second week, only gaining 56 yards. He is ranked 22nd in the league in rushing yards after being the consensus no. 2 pick in many Fantasy Football drafts.

Hill has put up similar stats to Ryan, throwing for 700 yards and five touchdowns to only one pick. He has been without Frank Gore in the backfield, who injured his ankle on his first rush against Minnesota and sat out against St. Louis. He was spelled by rookie Glen Coffee, who rushed for 74 yards on 24 carries.

Davis has 211 yards on 17 receptions this year and wideout Isaac Bruce has been a welcome addition to the air attack with 13 catches for 167 yards.

San Francisco 49ers were one of only four teams to lose to Atlanta in 2007 when the Falcons were in shambles (both teams were, really). And although things have improved dramatically since, it will be a tall task to spoil the Niners on the road.

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