Plauderkasten^^ » a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons are flying high, leading the NFL in a bunch of offensive categories.Now comes the real test.Can Matt Ryan & Co. keep it going against not one, but two of the NFLs top defenses?The Falcons (3-1) will be on the West Coast the next two weeks, facing the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos on Sunday, followed by the team that won it all during the 2013 season, the Seattle Seahawks.Both have made their mark on the defensive side of the line in recent years, and nothing much has changed this season.The Broncos and the Seahawks rank among the top five in fewest points and yards allowed, providing quite a challenge for a team that seems to be clicking on all cylinders.Were leading in a lot of the stats for offense, left tackle Jake Matthews said Wednesday. Its time for us to prove it and continue to do it every week.Its probably asking too much for the Falcons to keep up this pace. Led by Ryan and receiver Julio Jones, but working pretty much everyone into the mix, Atlanta has averaged 38 points and 478.8 yards per game over the first quarter of the season.No one else is even close to those staggering numbers.The Falcons lead in passing yards (354.3) and are sixth in rushing yards (124.5), showing the kind of balance that coach Dan Quinn knows is so important.Were making good decisions in both the run game and the pass game, the second-year coach said. Thats what makes going against us so challenging.After a season-opening loss to Tampa Bay, the Falcons ripped off three straight victories -- scoring more than 40 points the last two weeks against New Orleans and defending NFC champion Carolina.While Jones is having another dynamic season, highlighted by his 300-yard showing against the Panthers, Ryan is working the ball all over the field. Ten other players have at least two catches, and six players besides Jones have touchdown receptions.When you spread the ball around, keep everybody involved, keep a defense off-balance and make sure theyre guarding all five eligibles, Ryan said, it makes it tough on those guys.Coming off a bit of a disappointing season marked by a series of perplexing turnovers, Ryan is the top-rated quarterback in the league. Hes completed 72 percent of his passes for an NFL-leading 1,473 yards, and his 11 touchdown passes are tied with Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers. More important, Matty Ice has only two interceptions.Clearly, hes more comfortable in Year 2 with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.Were both further along at this point than we were last year. Theres no question about that, Ryan said.He understands everybody we have in the building, too. Kyle has done a great job of utilizing guys skill sets, mixing and matching and putting guys in positions to succeed. Sometimes, that takes time, too.With teams focused on the dynamic passing game, the Falcons are able to do plenty of damage in the run game, as well. Devonta Freeman has rushed for 322 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry while teaming with Tevin Coleman (129 yards, four TDs) to provide quite a 1-2 punch.Theyve had a lot of explosive plays, Denver coach Gary Kubiak said. Theyve got a lot of guys making those plays.Coleman is something of a question mark because he carries the sickle cell trait, which could be exacerbated by Denvers high altitude. The second-year back intends to play but will be closely monitored.Just stay hydrated and keep on talking to the doctors during the game to see how I feel, Coleman said. Ive never been there, so I really dont know how my body is going to react to it.Freeman said hes ready to carry the load if Coleman is limited or cant play. The Falcons dont have another running back on the 53-man roster.Were not a one-dimensional team, Freeman said. That is whats going to make us so special.Game notes The Falcons are hopeful new LB A.J. Hawk will be able to suit up after being signed this week. The 32-year-old was hastily learning the defense after replacing Sean Weatherspoon, who went down with a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. ... The Falcons are really hurting at linebacker. Rookie starter DeVondre Campbell (ankle) and backup Paul Worrilow (groin) didnt play against the Panthers, and rookie starter Deion Jones (calf) went out during the game. None of them practiced Wednesday. ... P Matt Bosher (right hamstring) also missed practice. The team signed another punter, Michael Palardy, to the practice squad as insurance.---Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/paul-newberry .---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL China Jerseys Stitched . -- There were so many positives from the Orlando Magics first victory of the season that it was hard for coach Jacque Vaughn to stop praising his players. Cheap Jerseys From China . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St. https://www.chinajerseyscheap.us/ . Wilson hit Schenn from behind during Tuesday nights game in Philadelphia, earning a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct. He has a phone hearing with the department of player safety, which limits any potential suspension to five or fewer games. Fake China Jerseys . -- Edmontons Val Sweeting is two wins away from a trip to Winnipeg to play in Canadas Road of the Rings in December. China Jerseys Wholesale . -- The Magic have their first victory of the new year. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama leading rusher Damien Harris sustained an apparent right leg injury against Kent State.Harris was hurt on his fourth run of the opening drive Saturday for the top-ranked Crimson Tide. He was helped off the field without putting weight on his right leg.A few minutes later, the sophomore was carted toward the locker room with his right ankle heavily wrapped.Harris came intto the game with a team-high 327 yards and one touchdown in his first season as starter after replacing Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.dddddddddddd The former five-star recruit was averaging 9.1 yards per carry.Freshman Joshua Jacobs replaced him on the first drive. ' ' '