In so many ways, the Falcons and the New York Giants are running on parallel courses this season. Both teams are coming off playoff berths in 2008, share the same record (5-4), their quarterback play has been almost even, they have had a rash of injuries on defense and both are trying to halt a run of losing.
The Falcons are prepared for a road test against the Carolina Panthers and one of the hottest running tandems in the NFL.
The Falcons return home to the Dome to face the NFL's #5 defense in the Washington Redskins.
The Falcons travel to the new Cowboys Stadium in Dallas to take on the NFL's heathly and rested third-best rushing offense. The 3-2 Cowboys are also coming off a bye week.
Jay Cutler and the Bears come to the Dome for a much-anticipated rematch on Sunday Night Football but the Falcons aren't getting caught up in what happened in 2008.
The Falcons head to San Francisco coming off a bye week to face a tough run defense. San Francisco's defense ranks 4th in the NFL in opponents' rush yards per game.
The Falcons are prepared to take that next step and win a big game on the road. To do that, they'll have to get through the New England Patriots -- one of the more successful teams of the decade.
The Falcons and Panthers rushing yards were down in Week 1 and the running game is the focus for both teams in the Week 2 matchup.
Get a look at some of the story lines and preparations as the Falcons get ready to face the Dolphins in Week 1 of the 2009 NFL season.