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Well, Atlanta won't go 0-16, but after they thumped the Lions, the big question now is are the Falcons better than everyone expected, or are the Lions worse?Here's my take on who starred and who's to be blamed for the Falcons' big win.
Stars Of The Game:
1. Falcons RB Michael Turner.
Coming into today, the big question surrounding Turner was how well he'd play now that he was the primary ball carrier, instead of the guy who fills in when LT needs a breather.
I think we can consider that question answered. Turner had six runs of 10 yards or more, including a 66-yard touchdown to single-handedly demolish the Lions defense. His 220 yards is the Falcons' single-game record. Backup Jerious Norwood wasn't bad himself (17 carries for 93 yards), but Turner gave the Falcons a game-changing tailback, something that they haven't had since Warrick Dunn was in his prime.
2. Falcons QB Matt Ryan
In Peyton Manning's debut, he threw for 302 yards but threw three interceptions and only one touchdown. Matt Ryan topped him.
Playing for a team that some predicted might go 0-16, Ryan did everything the Falcons could have asked of a veteran quarterback, to do it as a rookie making his NFL debut was simply unreal. Ryan was 9 of 13 for 161 yards and a touchdown. His 137.02 quarterback rating is better than all but two of Michael Vick's 74 games, and was better than any game by a Falcons quarterback in 2007.
3. Falcons offensive line
It would be easy to pick John Abraham here (three sacks), but the rebuilt Falcons offensive line not only opened enough holes for the Falcons to top 300 yards in rushing, but they also allowed only one sack. The best way to allow Ryan to develop is to ensure he has plenty of time to throw. For the first week, the new line did a great job.
The Goats Of The Game
1. Lions GM Matt Millen
How does this man still have a job. If the NFL ever opens a Hall of Shame (which would likely have to be located in New Orleans), Matt Millen would be a charter inductee. Shaun Rogers, the defensive tackle the Lions traded away for nickel back Leigh Bodden, would sure have been helpful to help clog up the middle of the line. Losing to the Falcons is embarrassing, but to get blown out by them legitimately calls into question the Lions' hopes for the season
2. Lions WLB Ernie Sims and MLB Paris Lenon
Most of Turner's yards came right through the middle of the Lions' defense, as neither Sims or Lenon offered a whole lot of resistance.
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