Atlanta Falcons: Well, No Worries From the Defense

While most prognosticators predicted little to worry about from the Atlanta Falcons offense, just as many were making dire predictions regarding the other side of the ball. If Sunday's solid 19-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins was any indication, the only area of concern for this squad surrounds the kicking game. The Falcons defense smothered, contained and stuffed the Dolphins' formerly heralded offensive attack, giving up only a meaningless touchdown late in the game. LB Mike Peterson, the only significant defensive free agent signed in the off-season, came up with a crucial interception that stopped a pretty solid Dolphin drive. Miami head coach Tony Sporano was frequently seen raging up and down his sideline, obviously frustrated at an unexpectedly stiff Falcons D. At the same time, QB Matt Ryan was solid, throwing two TD passes and rapidly convincing observers that he has a new favorite target in future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez. WR Roddy White was somewhat ineffec...