FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The first regular-season game of Jake Matthews' career won't be an easy challenge.

When the Atlanta Falcons rookie left tackle lines up against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, he'll encounter most of the same players that harassed quarterback Matt Ryan with eight sacks and 16 quarterbacks hits in two games last season.

"Just from what we were going over, they are really big, athletic guys," Matthews said of the Saints' front seven. "They do a really good job mixing up their pressures and stunts. So, I think it's going to be really good challenge for us up front. I think we're going to be ready for it."

Matthews is likely to see plenty of Junior Galette and Cameron Jordan, two edge-rushers capable of coming from either side. The duo combined for 24.5 sacks last season. And, as Matthews stated, the Saints definitely like to run their share of twists, as they did in last season's game at the Georgia Dome.

Holding down the Saints' pass rush can't all be on Matthews, of course. The Falcons need a group effort, and especially need Lamar Holmes to hold his own at the right tackle spot. Having veteran Jon Asamoah at right guard should help Holmes' cause.

Matthews appreciates how the line gelled during the preseason, when Ryan was sacked just twice while attempting 37 passes.

"It's been real well," he said. "Obviously, losing a guy like Sam Baker is something that hurt us a little bit. But I think we've bounced back well. And coach (Mike) Tice has done a really good job of keeping us together and getting a good game plan ready for us. I think we're on the right track."