BALTIMORE -- A few thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons' 29-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
What it means: Talk of wholesale changes is sure to intensify after the 2-5 Falcons dropped their fourth straight and remained winless on the road in four attempts. The sense of urgency was evident on the defensive side of the ball, but not on offense. And the offense -- which entered the game ranked third in yards per game and was tied for fifth in points per game -- was supposed to carry the Falcons this season. That's hard to do when you start the game 0-for-7 on third down. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has taken a lot of heat, and now offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter might have to feel some of the same. But in all fairness to Koetter, quarterback Matt Ryan has to be protected better for everything to work. Mike Smith has to be worried about his future, if he wasn't already.
Stock watch: It's difficult to pick one reason why Ryan was pummeled all day, but right tackle Gabe Carimi took a significant step backward. He watched Elvis Dumervil blow past him for one sack. And Carimi simply didn't show the same fight he had in previous games. It wasn't as if Carimi wore down as the game went along. He didn't get off to a good start, just like the rest of the offense.
Injury update: Center Peter Konz was carted off the field with a knee injury and never returned. Konz became the starter after Joe Hawley suffered a season-ending knee injury. When Konz exited, the Falcons had to turn to James Stone, an undrafted rookie from Tennessee. Offensive line coach Mike Tice has tried to piece together the line all season. The Falcons lost left tackle Sam Baker in the preseason and had to move rookie Jake Matthews from right to left. Mike Johnson went on injured reserve with a Lisfranc injury. Then Hawley and right tackle Lamar Holmes (foot) were placed on IR. Not to mention Matthews has been battling through an ankle injury. Kind of hard to hold a line together with duct tape.
Game ball: Although there wasn't much to be excited about as a whole for the Falcons, outside linebacker/defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi built off a strong Week 6 showing against the Chicago Bears. He put a lot of pressure on Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and got at least one tackle for loss. Massaquoi deserves more playing time, especially if he continues to play with a purpose.
What's next: The Falcons have a seven-hour flight ahead as they are set to arrive in London for their matchup with the Detroit Lions (5-2). The big question might be if the Falcons will have to face the league's top receiver, Calvin Johnson, who didn't play against the Saints on Sunday due to a sprained ankle.
