Atlanta Falcons: 3 Studs and duds in Week 1 vs. Seahawks

Stud: Atlanta receiving trio

One thing is a given when it comes to Atlanta and that is its high-powered and talented offensive unit. Most notably, the Falcons’ ability to air things out around the field at any point in the game. Such was the case once again in the Week 1 loss to Seattle on Sunday, with the Falcons throwing for 450 yards through the air.

Led by quarterback Matt Ryan, Atlanta finished with 450 yards passing on 54 pass attempts, and a trio of Falcons stepped up to lead that effort.

Julio Jones led the way with nine catches for 157 yards, followed by Calvin Ridley with nine catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns and Russell Gage with nine receptions for 114 yards. A total of seven Falcons players ended up with at least two receptions in the contest.

Dud: Early starts to each half

In the first quarter, Seattle managed to grab 14 early points while holding Atlanta to just three by the end of the opening frame. To start the second half, it was a similar situation with the Falcons allowing the Seahawks to hold a 14-0 advantage in the third quarter alone.

Moving forward, Atlanta is going to have to come out of each half with a big more sense of urgency to avoid falling behind early on and therefore playing catch-up the rest of the way.