FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Every week in the NFL presents a new challenge and, with a 16-game schedule, every contest is "a big game." That said, this weekend's game between the Falcons and Jaguars takes on a little extra spice to the plate.
One team will leave the field 0-2 with a sick feeling in its gut.
That reality was a big topic of conversation around the locker room Wednesday afternoon.
"We don't want to come back home 0-2," fullback Ovie Mughelli said. "We owe the fans more than that. We want to have some momentum when we come back home so we want to do everything we can to win this game."
Preparations for Sunday officially began Wednesday when the team took the practice field and started installing a game plan. But mentally, the Falcons were ready to take the field again soon after a 24-3 loss to the Vikings to open the season.
"We will have the intensity and the focus," veteran wide receiver Joe Horn said. "It's kind of an eye-opener when you get on the practice field on a day like today and you realize how much intensity -- how much fun and focus -- we were having and should have had in Minnesota because that game could have easily went our way had we just made a couple of plays."
"We just have to stay focused and get back to doing things the right way and come out with a victory, because it's going to be a hard fight," added defensive tackle Grady Jackson. "(Jacksonville) lost last week and we lost last week, so we both have a bitter taste. But we just have to come out on top."
The Jaguars' Week 1 loss complicates the situation. The Falcons don't know what's being said in head coach Jack Del Rio's locker room but it's a safe bet the Jaguars are oozing the same sense of urgency in looking for a win and avoiding an 0-2 start at home.
"We're both hungry for our first win," Del Rio said Wednesday. "We went out last week and didn't get it done and this week we're looking forward to the opportunity."
The formula for the Falcons success is simple. Better execution equals chance at victory. At least that's the approach of an offense that gave up six sacks and two turnovers (both for scores) last week at Minnesota.
Head Coach Bobby Petrino said the offense hit the practice field with more positive chatter Wednesday.
"I think our players did a nice job of putting the last game behind them and moving on and focusing on Jacksonville this morning in the meetings and today on the practice field," he said. "I know it says a lot about their character and I know that it means a lot to them. They weren't very happy with the way we performed last week.
"We've got our hands full, but I think our players will definitely be prepared and be ready to play on Sunday."
After practice players seemed relaxed and business like.
"I don't think anyone's really pressed," Pro Bowl running back Warrick Dunn said. "I know that we as an offense -- as a football team -- have a sense of urgency just to get a win. It's not necessarily to go out and prove to people we can win a football game. We want to win for ourselves so we can build off that. Hopefully this is the week that can happen."
No matter what happens, one thing the team won't do is place blame. Not when avoiding 0-2 is the most important goal.
"You've seen it in the past," center Todd McClure said, pulling up memories of teams fighting through slow starts. "You lose a few games early in the season and the finger starts pointing. We're not going to let that happen in here. We're going to get it going in the right direction."
