Whether it was a comedown after a huge victory in New Orleans or just Atlanta finding its level, this difficult win raised some serious questions about the Falcons. Namely, just how good are they when faced with a more than competent defense?
The 49ers managed to lose another game they had opportunities to put away, and so you start to wonder about the mental strength (or indeed capacity) of this team. There's more than enough talent there to be a lot better than 0-4, but they haven't had the hardest schedule in the NFL and yet they still find themselves here.
49ers: Three performances of note
Tight end Vernon Davis (+3.2) now appears to be adding consistency to his elite physical talents. Another penalty-free display (no penalties this season) with no drops (just one on the year) is a big indication that Davis has really worked on the mental errors that were such a big part of his game in 2009. This was another all-around display with some strong run blocking complementing his excellent work after the catch. Though he only ended up with 36 yards, he had 43 yards after the catch (with an incredible four missed tackles) as he constantly put the 49ers in manageable down and distance.
We're not sure what's going on with DE Justin Smith (-1.1). About as good as any performer at any position last year, it just doesn't seem to be happening for him in 2010. This was another disappointing display, where he registered two quarterback pressures but was largely invisible in the run game. He hasn't been terrible but we just expected so much more from him.
One player who did have a good day was OLB Parys Haralson (+3.3). His two sacks were a highlight, but a further two quarterback pressures and two more defensive stops were the icing on the cake. Given that his output in this one almost doubled his production in his previous three games combined, we're not sure that Haralson has entirely turned the corner yet, but it was encouraging.
Falcons: Three performances of note
It was strange in to see, after never leaving the field last week, DT Jonathan Babineaux (-2.9) coming off in this game (78 percent of snaps played). But it was weirder still to see him put forward such a weak performance. He looked outmatched on a number of plays, to the extent the Falcons even moved him away from his usual DRT position to the DLT spot on numerous occasions. Outside of a single quarterback pressure, Babineaux did nothing in his worst performance in a long time.
One guy who continues to impress is DE Jamaal Anderson (+3.0). Anderson got at the quarterback with two pressures and batted a pass, and it seems he is becoming one of the best run-defenders from the end spot in the league. His two defensive stops are not eye-popping but he continues to do an excellent job in stopping small runs from turning into big ones. It will be interesting to see how Anderson's playing time goes if he continues to play well.
His highlight play will get him credit, but it's important not to forget about the seven catches from nine targets that Roddy White (+1.4) made. He made a number of spectacular catches that only a top receiver could in helping the Falcons get into position for the game-winning field goal, despite being largely ignored throughout the majority of the game. White isn't always the most consistent, and he certainly doesn't have the best hands in the league, but he's still the biggest playmaker the Falcons have.
Rookie report
It was a display of first-round talent from Mike Iupati (+3.5). He was perfect in pass protection and is starting to look like a monster with his run blocking. … Tackle Anthony Davis (+1.4) wasn't much worse though he did surrender two quarterback pressures. Still more than commendable, considering the pass rush he was facing. … Navarro Bowman (+0.7) made one nice play in limited action, but there's nothing to suggest he's an upgrade on the still productive Takeo Spikes. … He had a very nice piece of footwork aside in turning a blocked punt into a touchdown, and Taylor Mays (0.0) was enthusiastic in making tackles, if not a little bit overmatched when left in coverage.
While he continues to start, Corey Peters (-1.8) looks a little bit out of his depth right now. … Outside of that, Michael Palmer is the Falcons' third tight end and saw limited action as the Falcons didn't get a lot from their 2010 draft class in this one.
Random notes
When throwing to his left across his body farther than 9 yards, Matt Ryan was just 1 of 6 for 13 yards and an interception. … Both of Alex Smith‘s interceptions came throwing less than 10 yards and inside the numbers. Outside of his poor throws here, Smith was 16 of 24 for 140 yards and a touchdown.
—
© 2025 PFF - all rights reserved.