The Falcons have gotten off to a slow start on the road against the division rival Carolina Panthers, who lead 7-0 through one quarter of play.
Cam Newton has completed all eight of his passing attempts for 62 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown throw to Greg Olsen on the game's opening drive.
Atlanta's defense, which has had trouble against the run all season, has already allowed 56 rushing yards. DeAngelo Williams, who is filling in for injured starter Jonathan Stewart, has 36 yards of those yards on six carries.
Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense failed to get anything going on their first possession. Ryan completed two of his three passes, but a huge first-down sack by defensive tackle Frank Kearse put Atlanta in poor position to convert on second and third downs.
Meanwhile, the Panthers offense has continued moving the football, and converted on fourth-and-short in the waning minutes of the first quarter.