The Atlanta Falcons squandered a chance to get off to a good start by dropping their opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-24.
It doesn't get any easier moving forward.
Sunday's trip to Oakland to face the 1-0 Raiders is sure to test the Falcons' ability to both protect Matt Ryan on offense and get after quarterback Derek Carr on defense. Raiders pass-rusher Khalil Mack, who had 15 sacks last season, will give the Falcons' offensive line fits from every direction. That Mack failed to get a sack in a season-opening 35-34 win over the New Orleans Saints is sure to give him a little added motivation.