What we learned ...
The Falcons' offense is as good as advertised: From their second play (a 43-yard run by RB Michael Turner) to their last (a 14-yard touchdown pass from QB Matt Ryan to TE Tony Gonzalez), Atlanta's starters looked unstoppable. In just two series, the Falcons' first-team offense accounted for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
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Lawrence Sidbury has some skills: The Falcons are looking for another pass-rushing defensive end who can play opposite second-team All-Pro John Abraham, and they might have found their man in Sidbury. The rookie out of Richmond had two sacks and demonstrated an impressive burst off the edge.
Jason Smith has a lot of work to do: The Rams' first-round draft pick (No. 2 overall) had some good moments, but he showed plenty of room for improvement. On back-to-back second-quarter plays, the offensive tackle gave up a sack and whiffed on a run block, receiving a holding penalty in the process.
