Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Matt Ryan wants more consistency

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- It obviously was a tale of two games for Matt Ryan and his offense as the Atlanta Falcons amassed 568 total yards and 37 points in a win over New Orleans, then dipped to 309 total yards and 10 points in a loss to Cincinnati.

As the Falcons prepare for Thursday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ryan expects to regain an offensive rhythm.

"On a positive note, I think there are some things we've done well, more so in Week 1 than Week 2,'' Ryan said Tuesday. "But I think the run game has been pretty efficient up until this point. We need to continue to be efficient in the run game.

"And then in terms of the pass game, I think that's an area ... we just need to be more consistent. One of the thing that we've seen is that one week, we're capable of making a bunch of explosives. The following week, we're not. We've got to get to a point where we in and week out, we show up and play the way that we're capable of.''

The Falcons had 14 explosive plays -- 12-plus-yard runs or 16-plus-yard passes -- against the Saints in the opener. They had just eight against the Bengals and weren't able to play the same up-tempo style.

A big part of the problem in the 24-10 loss to the Bengals was the offensive line's inability to protect Ryan, who completed 24 of 44 passes for 231 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. Right tackle Lamar Holmes struggled the most and took ownership for his poor play.

Ryan was asked about what advice he'd give Holmes coming off such a bad showing.

"It happens: It happens to everybody,'' Ryan said of Holmes' struggles. "Week to week, sometimes you don't play your best. But in this league, it's all about moving forward and trying to be better than you were last week.

"You can't dwell on it. This league is humbling week to week. And you're going against the very best football players in the world. Sometimes they're going to get you. But part of being a professional is being able to move past that, staying confident and trusting in your abilities. And I think Lamar will do that.''

There is a chance Ryan will get rookie left tackle Jake Matthews back from a left ankle sprain, but that's not guaranteed. If Matthews returns, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Matthews at left and Gabe Carimi at right tackle.

"Jake's a talented player,'' Ryan said. "If we get the opportunity to get him back, that would be huge.''

At least the Falcons could get some relief if Buccaneers star defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is out with a broken hand. Tampa Bay coach Lovie Smith said it's "not looking good for this week'' with McCoy. Starting middle linebacker Mason Foster also is out with a shoulder injury, meaning the Bucs will go with unproven Dane Fletcher to replace Foster.

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