NFL Week 2: Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons host the St. Louis Rams

This week will feature a young quarterback who may have finally found the offense he needed in St. Louis to help reach the playoffs and a quarterback who’s looking to return to the playoffs.

Last Sunday the Atlanta Falcons were only a touchdown away from beating the New Orleans Saints late in the fourth quarter until Ryan threw a pass that was tipped and intercepted. The defending NFC South champions were in a tougher fight than they expected with the New Orleans Saints.

Drew Brees and that New Orleans Saints team look like they are finally getting things together. With a defense that was dead last a year ago, they were able to cause turnovers and put pressure on the quarterback. Now this Sunday, Matt Ryan and company will look to pick apart a defense that was tougher than New Orleans last season.

Ryan finished the game completing 25 of 38 attempts for 304 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

First year Falcons running back Steven Jackson will be playing against his former team for the first time in his career. He rushed for 77 yards on 11 carries but didn’t score a touchdown against the Saints. I expect him to get some love before, during and after the game from his former coaches and teammates.

Sam Bradford led the Rams to victory last week against Carson Palmer and his Arizona Cardinals. A game that was pretty exciting to watch as it went down to the wire.

Bradford completed 27 of 38 attempts for 299 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Almost identical numbers from two quarterbacks who will look to pick apart each other’s defenses in just a couple short days.

Both teams need to get their running game early which should allow them to open up the pass. St. Louis and their defensive front need to put pressure on Ryan as he has a handful of players who can turn any play into a big play. Limit your mistakes and you should be able to hand Ryan and the Falcons their second loss of the early season.