Atlanta Falcons Must Get Running Game Going vs. Cardinals To Avoid Starting 0-2

The Falcons rushed for just 58 yards and averaged 2.3 yards per carry in their 15-9 overtime loss to the Steelers last Sunday, with 42 of those yards belonging to Michael Turner.

Facing their second 3-4 defense in as many weeks with the Cardinals coming to town, getting the running game going will be key if the Falcons want to avoid starting 0-2, a dreaded record in terms likelihood of making the playoffs.

“We’ve just got to do the little things right,” Turner said. “That’s what killed us last week, and hopefully we can clean everything up and get better.”

The Falcons’ inability to run the football cause offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey to dial-up 44 passes for Matt Ryan, the third-highest total in his young career.

“It’s just frustrating, really,” offensive lineman Tyson Clabo said, “because that’s what we pride ourselves on, really, is being able to run the football. Last week we got away from that.”

The Falcons’ longest run against the Steelers was just seven yards, and Turner got just 19 carries. Four of his carries went for negative yardage, and he has not received more than 20 carries since Week 5 in 2009.

“Whenever coach gives me the ball, I’m ready for it,” said Turner. “It depends on how the flow of the game is going. Sometimes you have to throw it more and and sometimes you have to run it more. So it just depends on how it goes on Sunday.”

The Falcons host the Cardinals Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT.

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