FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons, welcome back to the classroom.
A big Week 1 win had the Falcons feeling good over the weekend. That is until a rough outing in Tampa Bay ended in a 24-9 defeat and a trip back to the harsh realities of the NFL.
Head Coach Mike Smith reviewed the film with his team and staff on Monday and is prepared to chart a clear course for improvement.
"We got an opportunity to watch the tape and there were some things I was encouraged about," Smith said. "Our team fought hard the entire football game... But I'd also say there are a lot of things we've got to get corrected. We have to start faster."
Two Matt Ryan interceptions led to 10 Buccaneer points. A 20 percent success rate on third down in the first half put the Falcons in a big hole. Special teams penalties also affected field position with the Birds starting drives at their own 11-, 9-, 16- and 17-yard line in the game.
Ryan, who has been praised for his ability to quickly process mistakes, is ready to move on.
"I got in a little early this morning and looked at the tape," Ryan said. "I just made some decisions that weren't very good."
His teammates support his efforts and saw his ability to right the ship in the midst of the game. He may have misfired on his first nine passes but on one scoring drive he completed six of seven throws for more than 60 yards. At one point in the fourth quarter the Falcons were just one score from a tie game.
"We knew there were going to be bumps along the way," starting center Todd McClure said. "So, we're going to watch film and learn from this."
Perhaps the biggest learning opportunity comes from the team's stalls in the red zone: three trips, three field goals.
"Our red zone efficiency was not good," Smith said. "We were down there three times and not able to put the ball in the end zone. I think Matt will continue to get better. I thought Matt, overall, did some good things, especially there in the second half...
"Every week for this young football team guys are going to learn: Players, coaches, we're going to learn a lot about each other every week."
FOXWORTH ACTIVE: Domonique Foxworth, who the Falcons acquired in a trade just before the season, got his first game experience in a Falcons uniform against the Bucs. He wasn't credited with any defensive statistics.
"We'll continue to integrate him into the system," Smith said. "He's working very hard to get the system down and we anticipate he'll continue to get more and more snaps."
INJURY REPORT: Tackle Sam Baker left Sunday's game with a head injury and did not return but could get back on the practice field soon.
"Sam is feeling a lot better today," Smith said. "Anytime you're dealing with the head you have to be careful with that. We'll probably bring Sam along slowly and see how he responds to physical activity."
A curious problem with Grady Jackson's knee kept him out of the lineup. Jackson alerted coaches to pain in his knee about 3 a.m. Sunday morning. Fluid was removed from the knee but he hadn't recovered in time for kickoff.
Smith said the defensive tackle felt better Monday morning.
COMMENTS ON MILLOY: Smith met with the media around 12:30 Monday afternoon to discuss the early-morning arrest of safety Lawyer Milloy.
"Any time any of our players are in this type of situation we are extremely disappointed," Smith said.
The coach did not go into detail about any possible punishments that could be in Milloy's future. The NFL has rules under the collective bargaining agreement that outline how teams can fine and suspend players but Smith said the team will also let the legal matter and "due process run its course."
From here on, according to Smith, everything in regards to the situation -- including punishment -- will be handled internally.
"If it becomes (external) you're going to see it," Smith said when asked about the possibility of suspension. "We want to make sure we do everything on the up-and-up."
Smith said he met with Milloy Monday morning but declined to reveal details of the conversation.
"I'm extremely disappointed and I can't stress enough; it's unacceptable," he said.
Milloy's teammates didn't say much about the situation but acknowledged the safety's importance to the team.
"Ever since I've been here he's been a good leader and a good teammate to everybody," Ryan said. "Lawyer's been great to this team."
"Lawyer's a great guy and we're going to support him through this," McClure said. "He just made a mistake."
Milloy was unavailable for comment.
MORE FROM THE FALCONS-BUCS GAME:
- GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
- GAME RECAP: Falcons fall to Bucs, 24-9
- GAME NOTES: Official game notes from Raymond James Stadium
- TRANSCRIPTS: Head Coach Mike Smith | Falcons | Buccaneers
- INACTIVES: Falcons-Bucs inactives and starters
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Matt Ryan
- HIGHLIGHTS: Game highlights from NFL Network
- BLOG: News and thoughts from Managing Editor J. Michael Moore
- MESSAGE BOARDS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE
