Atlanta's first team offense and defense looked up to the part. However, the same couldn't be said for the reserves in a 31-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2012 preseason opener.
Matt Ryan and company looked sharp in the first half as he quickly drove the Falcons down the field and connected with Julio Jones for a touchdown on the opening possession. Ryan ended up completing 9 of 13 passes for 155 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Julio Jones caught six passes for 106 yards while Roddy White hauled in three for 46.
Jacquizz Rodgers was the leading gainer on the ground with 33 yards on nine carries and a touchdown. Michael Turner chipped in five carries for 17 yards.
Without Ryan and company in the game Atlanta struggled to mount much offense. John Parker Wilson completed 8 of 13 for 69 yards but failed to produce a first down in three drives during the third quarter. Baltimore capitalized with a touchdown in the third quarter after Wilson and running back Dimitri Nance botched a handoff. Dominique Davis went 6 for 11 for 53 yards with an interception.
Atlanta's defense looked good with the starters in and came up with three sacks in the first half. The reserves had a much harder time getting off the field after the intermission.
The Falcons also suffered two notable injuries in the game with Bradie Ewing leaving in the first quarter with a knee injury and Akeem Dent exiting in the second quarter with a head injury. Ewing's injury appeared to be the most serious as he exited the field on a golf cart and headed to the locker room.
For more on this game Falcons fans should visit The Falcoholic and Ravens fans should check out Baltimore Beatdown. For more news and notes from around the NFL head over to SB Nation's NFL hub page.