Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts: 4 Halftime Adjustments for Atlanta

Well, the score is good, but the quality of play is far from it.

The Falcons should consider themselves lucky to be up 21-7 after that sloppy offensive performance. Thanks to a couple of huge plays from Julio Jones, though, they have a comfortable lead.

But no lead is safe in the NFL. Atlanta's got to get themselves motivated at halftime and come out firing in the second half. Here are four keys to doing just that.

1. Continue Pounding the Run

No offense to Matt Ryan, but Atlanta’s offense goes as Michael Turner goes. And today, Turner and the Falcons are churning out yardage. Atlanta's managed 73 yards on 17 carries, plus a score.

Expect a big dose of Turner in the second half, and expect Indy to have a hard time stopping him.

2. Take More Shots Downfield

This point is dependent on the first one. If Atlanta can continue to pick up yards on the ground, things will open up for Ryan to take some shots.

It worked with Jones in the first quarter. I’m sure Roddy will be lobbying for a few more looks at halftime.

3. More Pressure on Painter

Look, the concept is simple: put pressure on an inexperienced quarterback, he will make mistakes. So far, Atlanta hasn’t done a great job of pressuring Painter, and his QB rating is only 39.9.

If the Falcons can bring some more pressure, Painter is sure to get jumpy and make a couple of bad throws.

4. More Julio, Please 

So far, Jones has touched the football three times. He’s got 148 yards of offense and two touchdowns. Not too shabby. These types of games are huge confidence-builders for a young receiver.

Julio’s got to be feeling pretty good about himself right now. If he can take this momentum with him to the crucial matchup against the Saints next week, Atlanta has a great shot at taking down New Orleans.