–The run defense did a nice job against New York Giants rookie Saquon Barkley in the last game. Now they’ll be tested again by veteran Adrian Peterson, who continues to perform at a high level.
“For us, tackling, you know, our leverage, our pursuit, those are things that we’re really to improve,” head coach Dan Quinn said.
The defense even sounds better to Quinn.
He said, “Generally, we can hear good defense. I told them, by how it sounds prior to the snap, in snap, that kind of communication. Now I’m hearing that on a more regular basis and that’s music to my ears. That’s for sure.”
The Falcons limited Barkley to 43 yards rushing on 14 carries, with the long gain of 15 yards. Throw out that one run and his average drops to 2.15 yards per carry.
“I wouldn’t put it as a shut down,” Quinn said. “For this year it’s been a shutdown.”
But Barkley was an unknown quantity to Quinn. He’s fully aware of the skills that Peterson brings to the table.
“Going into the game I was very impressed by Barkley and I left feeling the same,” Quinn aid. “I know exactly who Adrian Peterson is and playing against him and how tough he can be.”
Peterson has rushed for 587 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this season. In his career against the Falcons, Peterson has averaged 112.3 per game in three meetings.
–The Falcons offensive line looks quite a bit different than it did eight weeks ago. Both guards have been lost with injuries and the depth has definitely taken a hit.
The Falcons lost Brandon Fusco to a broken ankle against the Giants. The search for a replacement began as soon as the trainers helped the big free-agent signee off the field.
Atlanta had already lost left guard Andy Levitre to a triceps injury in the second week. Wes Schweitzer, who started a year ago but lost his spot to Fusco, was rolled into that spot.
The depth chart currently shows the starters as Jake Matthews and Ryan Schraeder at tackle, Schweitzer and Ben Garland at guard and Alex Mack at center. Garland started at left guard in the playoffs last year and will get his first start of the season.
“I’m confident playing right, left and including center, tight end or fullback,” Garland said. “Put me in anywhere, I’m ready to go.”
The Falcons signed veteran Zane Beadles to fill Fusco’s spot on the roster. Drafted in the second round by the Broncos in 2010, Beadles has played four seasons in Denver, two in Jacksonville and the last two in San Francisco. He has played 128 games, made 115 starts and was a Pro Bowl pick in 2012.
Head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that Beadles will work at tackle.
The day before the team signed tackle Austin Pasztor and guard Rees Odhiambo. Pasztor (6-7, 305) is in his sixth season out of Virginia. Odhiambo (6-4, 315) is in his third season out of Boise State.
BY THE NUMBERS: 205 — Consecutive passes thrown by QB Matt Ryan without an interception. He was last picked off in the second game against Carolina.
